Belagavi
The Karnataka government has directed the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) to follow the resolution adopted by the state legislature in 1988 on the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute.
The move comes after Kannada organisations in Belagavi continued their agitation for nearly five months, demanding that the civic body pass a resolution supporting Karnataka’s position.
The border issue has remained a longstanding political and linguistic dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra, with Maharashtra claiming several areas in and around Belagavi. Karnataka has consistently maintained that Belagavi is an integral part of the state and has opposed demands for its merger with Maharashtra.
Kannada organisations have been pressing the BCC to adopt a pro-Karnataka resolution similar to the stand taken by the state legislature. The groups have argued that the civic body should clearly support Karnataka’s position on the border issue and reflect the sentiments of Kannada-speaking residents of the region.
The government’s direction is expected to put pressure on the corporation to act on the demand. Officials have been asked to adhere to the 1988 legislative resolution, which represents Karnataka’s formal position on the dispute. The issue has also remained sensitive in Belagavi because of its linguistic and political significance.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by Kannada organisations to secure an official resolution from the local civic body. Their movement has continued for months, with activists insisting that the corporation should not remain silent on an issue concerning the state’s territorial integrity.
The Karnataka government’s latest direction could pave the way for the BCC to consider the long-pending demand. However, the matter is likely to remain politically sensitive given the continuing disagreement between Karnataka and Maharashtra over the disputed border areas.