Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to hold a high-level meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to prevent a repeat of the Belagavi violence that has once again escalated tensions between the two states.
The demand comes after a Marathi-speaking bus driver was assaulted in Belagavi, allegedly for not speaking in Kannada, sparking widespread outrage in Maharashtra. In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers staged protests in Pune, blackening Karnataka-registered buses at the Swargate Bus Stand on Saturday.
Raut Condemns Attacks, Questions Karnataka Government
Addressing the border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka, Raut criticized the Karnataka government for allowing violence against Marathi-speaking residents in Belagavi, despite the matter being sub judice in the Supreme Court.
“We do not want such incidents to take place. The Prime Minister and Home Minister should call for a meeting with the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Belagavi border dispute is already in the Supreme Court. Even then, how is the Karnataka government allowing such attacks on Marathi people, closing Marathi schools, and targeting cultural organizations? This is unacceptable,” Raut said.
He pointed out that Karnataka-origin communities in Maharashtra have never faced hostility, urging for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“There are many people from Karnataka in Maharashtra who run businesses, hotels, and organizations. We have never troubled them, nor will we ever do so. We are all united as Indians. This is an issue of language and culture. If Marathi people in Belagavi want to run Marathi schools, what is wrong with that? In Maharashtra, we have Kannada schools as well,” he added.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Workers Blacken Karnataka Buses in Protest
Following the attack on the MSRTC driver, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers staged protests in Pune, targeting Karnataka-registered buses by spraying black paint on one of them.
Pune Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil confirmed that law enforcement had been deployed to prevent escalation.
“As soon as we got information that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers were planning a protest, we deployed security forces. They managed to blacken one bus, but there was no major damage,” Patil told ANI.
The police have detained four to five suspects, with more arrests expected based on video evidence.
Maharashtra Suspends Bus Services to Karnataka
In the wake of the incident, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) announced an indefinite suspension of bus services between Kolhapur and Karnataka for the safety of passengers and employees.
MSRTC Chief Public Relations Officer Abhijit Bhosale confirmed the decision, stating,
“As per the Transport Minister’s directions, ST buses traveling from Kolhapur to Karnataka have been cancelled indefinitely until the situation is brought under control.”
The move follows the assault of MSRTC driver Bhaskar Jadhav on the night of February 21. Jadhav was attacked by activists from a Karnataka-based group when his bus, en route from Bangalore to Mumbai, was stopped near Chitradurga.
Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik personally reached out to Jadhav, reassuring him of government support.
“You are not alone; our government stands firmly behind you. Until the Karnataka government takes a clear stance on this issue and engages in discussions with Maharashtra, bus services will remain suspended,” Sarnaik stated.
Rising Tensions Amid Belagavi Dispute
The Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute over Belagavi has been a long-standing issue, with Marathi-speaking residents in the region demanding recognition of their linguistic and cultural rights.
While the case is pending in the Supreme Court, incidents of violence and political clashes have reignited tensions, leading to a cycle of retaliatory actions in both states.
With pressure mounting on both governments to prevent further escalation, political observers believe that intervention from the Centre will be crucial in diffusing tensions and ensuring the safety of residents on both sides of the border.
The post Sanjay Raut Urges Modi, Shah to Intervene Amid Maharashtra-Karnataka Tensions Over Belagavi Incident appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
