Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde tables resolution to condemn atrocities in Karnataka; all parties unanimously clear it

Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP leaders stage a protest outside Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur on Tuesday. Pic/ANI

The Maharashtra legislature passed a resolution to strongly condemn the atrocities the Karnataka government has meted out to the people who have been seeking merger with the Marathi-speaking neighbouring state since 1960. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tabled the draft in both the houses and the same was cleared unanimously. Shinde also raised safety concerns and demanded from the Karnataka government a guarantee of security of the Marathi-speaking people in the disputed border areas.

It was resolved that the state government will not leave any stone unturned to merge the Marathi majority towns of Belgavi, Karwar, Nipani, Bhalaki and Bidar and 865 villages with Maharashtra. Though the two states have been fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court, atrocities have been reported from Karnataka.

Former CM Uddhav Thackeray had, on Monday, demanded that the disputed region be made an Union Territory till the court case was decided, but the suggestion was dismissed by Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Ajit Pawar and the ruling parties. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said the SC had ruled out the demand a long ago.

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The resolution

In the lower house, Pawar pointed out that the draft resolution was incorrect and ensured that the missing elements, including the names of towns, were mentioned.

"The Karnataka government be advised to ensure the safety of the Marathi-speaking people," the resolution stated.

It read, "The Centre intervened in the matter on December 14, 2022, asking both governments to maintain peace. Yet, the Karnataka government deliberately took an opposite and inciting stand, and passed a resolution in its legislature that not an inch of land be conceded to Maharashtra. The Karnataka government's move is not in tune with democracy."

"The Maharashtra Legislature strongly condemns the Karnataka government's anti-Marathi attitude," it added, demanding that the Central government advise the Karnataka government to ensure that the Marathi-speaking people are safe.

Welfare schemes

Shinde also announced welfare schemes and tabled a progress report of the efforts being implemented for the Marathi-speaking people in the disputed areas.

The people who laid down their lives have been declared martyrs and their kin are given a monthly pension of Rs 20,000, said Shinde. Currently, 13 kin get the pension. Eligible candidates (15 year domicile in the disputed area) can apply for a government job too. Similar conditions apply to the people who want state housing. Organisations working in tourism and cultural activities will be given financial assistance. Students will have a quota in the medical colleges in Maharashtra.

The candidates seeking teaching jobs are given relaxation in recruitment. A host of other schemes are being
implemented, said the CM.

File review petition

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Ambadas Danve demanded that a review petition be filed in the SC. He also asked whether a criminal case was filed against the people who purportedly hacked the Karnataka CM's Twitter account to post
inciting statements.

"The Karnataka government is doing everything possible and expeditiously to make its case stronger by deliberating with the Centre. We should be quicker than them," he said.

Upper house stalled

The upper house was stalled for the day when the Opposition demanded a law to rein in the people who insult revered personalities. Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parag raised the demand, recalling recent incidents in Maharashtra. Following this, The deputy chief minister submitted the ‘insulting' statements that were made by Opposition leaders and asked the house to represent a true picture.

Rs 20,000
Monthly pension given to kin of martyrs