Maharashtra Government Firmly Supports Marathi-Speaking People in Border Areas – CM Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Condemns Injustice Against Marathi-Speakers in Border Areas

Mumbai : The Maharashtra government strongly condemns the ongoing injustices faced by Marathi-speaking citizens in Belgaum and other border areas by the Karnataka government. Karnataka’s stance, prohibiting Marathi people from holding gatherings, is a violation of constitutional rights. Additionally, a Karnataka minister’s statement about removing Veer Savarkar’s portrait from the Karnataka Assembly is a serious matter, which the Maharashtra government firmly opposes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made this clear in the Legislative Council, reiterating that the Maharashtra Legislature stands resolutely with Marathi-speaking people in border areas. He affirmed that the fight for a united Maharashtra, including Belgaum and Nipani, will continue until it is achieved.

CM Fadnavis emphasized that the 12 crore citizens of Maharashtra and Marathi people worldwide stand firmly behind the Marathi-speaking population in Karnataka’s border areas. The state government has already provided educational and healthcare facilities for them and remains committed to resolving their issues promptly.

Karnataka Government’s Anti-Marathi Stand is Unjust – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized the Karnataka government’s opposition to gatherings of Marathi-speaking people in border areas. He highlighted incidents where members of the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti were arrested, and public representatives were detained, actions that Maharashtra strongly condemns.

Speaking in the Legislative Council, Deputy CM Shinde recalled his personal experience of imprisonment during the fight for Marathi-speaking people. He reaffirmed that the current Maharashtra government upholds the same stand as the late Balasaheb Thackeray, the Hindutva icon. He also noted that the government has appointed lawyers to represent the state’s case in the Supreme Court. Previously, a meeting on this issue was held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, resulting in positive discussions. Despite this, the Karnataka government’s continued unjust actions warrant condemnation, he said.

This matter was raised in the Legislative Council by Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve.