Maharashtra, Karnataka states’ row grows

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to legally pursue the inclusion of 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Karnataka into the State, amid the raging boundary dispute between the two States.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde tabled the resolution during the winter session of the Legislature being held in Nagpur, to fight the case in the Supreme Court to include Belagavi, Karwar, Nipani, Bidar Bhalki and others into Maharashtra.

Shinde said the Karnataka state legislature had passed a resolution on the issue to purposely fuel the border row.

The resolution, passed unanimously, stated the Central government should urge the Karnataka government to implement the decision taken in the meeting with the Union Home Minister and the Karnataka government should ensure the safety of Marathi-speaking people in its State.

On Dec. 14, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said both the States will not make any claim against each other until the Supreme Court gives its verdict.