Belagavi
Kannada organisations in Belagavi have staged a protest against the delay in passing a resolution declaring the city an integral part of Karnataka. Leaders of the organisations expressed strong displeasure over the issue and demanded that the civic administration take immediate steps to approve the proposed resolution.
The protesters alleged that the resolution had been deliberately delayed despite repeated demands from Kannada groups. They also questioned the role of the city mayor and deputy mayor, claiming that efforts were being made to prevent the civic body from formally adopting the resolution.
Members of the Kannada organisations said Belagavi has a significant historical and cultural connection with Karnataka and that the civic body should clearly reaffirm the city’s status through an official resolution. They argued that passing such a resolution would send a strong message about the city’s place within the state.
The protesters criticised what they described as unnecessary obstacles in the process and urged elected representatives to address the matter without further delay. They said the issue had generated considerable concern among Kannada-speaking residents and organisations in the city.
Leaders also expressed their dissatisfaction with the mayor and deputy mayor, alleging that the two office-bearers were not cooperating with efforts to bring the resolution forward. They demanded transparency in the proceedings and sought clarification on why the proposal had not yet been approved.
The protesting groups warned that they would intensify their agitation if the civic administration continued to postpone the resolution. They called upon elected representatives and officials to respect the sentiments of Kannada organisations and complete the process at the earliest.
The controversy comes amid continued efforts by Kannada groups to assert the cultural and linguistic identity of Belagavi. Protesters said the issue should not be allowed to remain pending and urged the municipal authorities to act in the interest of the people.
The groups said they would continue monitoring the civic body’s response and decide on their next course of action based on the steps taken by the mayor, deputy mayor and other elected representatives.
