Karnataka Warns Maharashtra Over Support to MES in Belagavi Border Dispute
The Karnataka government has issued a stern warning to the Maharashtra government over its decision to back the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samithi (MES) in the legal dispute regarding the inclusion of Belagavi into Maharashtra.
On Thursday, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that his government would not tolerate any actions that challenge Karnataka's sovereignty, land, water, or language. The warning came a day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that his government would extend full support to the MES in its Supreme Court application for a speedy disposal of the border issue.
Fadnavis had also declared that the Maharashtra government would lodge an official complaint with the National Linguistic Minority Commission regarding the matter. The MES, which operates in the border region, has long demanded the inclusion of Belagavi into Maharashtra.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kharge made it clear that while Karnataka does not object to any legal battles fought by organisations within the legal framework, it will not tolerate MES members who live in Karnataka initiating legal battles against the state itself. He warned that the government would give a fitting reply to such organisations.
"Karnataka has no objection if the Maharashtra government extends support to organisations in its state," Kharge said. "However, if they try to challenge the sovereignty of our state by impairing our land, water, language or any other issues by supporting such organisations, we will not tolerate it."
Kharge further emphasised that organisations cannot behave in an anarchic manner within Karnataka simply because of the Maharashtra Chief Minister's backing. He noted that everything in the state has been proceeding according to the law, and warned that severe action would be taken against anyone who tries to disrupt this peace.
The Home Minister concluded by stating that if the Maharashtra government attempts to intrude into the border and create a law and order problem, the Karnataka administration is prepared to act tough.
