Belagavi Border Dispute Re-ignites as Kannada Groups Demand Action Against City Council

Activists Demand Accountability Over Border Resolution

Legal and political tensions have intensified in Belagavi as local Kannada organizations demand government intervention against the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC). The conflict stems from the council's persistent delay in passing a resolution that affirms Belagavi as an integral part of Karnataka, based on the Mahajan Commission recommendations.

Ashok Chandargi, convenor of the central committee of Kannada organizations, reported that a member introduced the resolution four months ago, yet the BCC general body has failed to ratify it. During a meeting with Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, leaders expressed frustration over the BCC's inaction despite repeated protests and the arrest of prominent activists like Vatal Nagaraj. The delegation proposed severe measures, including superseding the urban local body or freezing its funding until the resolution is adopted.

Legal Opinions Clear Path for Local Council

The delay persists despite high-level legal clearances. Mayor Preeti Kamkar previously sought the state government's legal stance, a move activists deemed unnecessary. The Chief Secretary’s office responded by describing the resolution as both necessary and essential. Further validation came from Mohan Kataraki, a senior Supreme Court advocate, and Justice Nagamohan Das, chairman of the Karnataka State border and river protection commission, who both confirmed that no legal hurdles exist.

Key points of the administrative impasse include:

• The BCC leadership's failure to convene meetings despite public pressure.
• A consensus among state legal experts that the resolution does not violate existing laws.
• Ongoing calls from activists to penalize the BCC for its perceived indifference to the state's territorial integrity.

State Government Reaffirms Standing

Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah clarified that the administration views Belagavi's status as settled. He referenced the Justice M.C. Mahajan Commission, noting that the state has already passed similar resolutions in the legislature. "When this is the stand of the State government, what can stop the BCC from passing such a resolution?" the Minister questioned during the Tuesday meeting.

Moving forward, the Minister pledged to consult further with Justice Nagamohan Das to determine the specific instructions the state can issue to compel the BCC to act. Representatives including Srinivas Talurkar, M.M. Makandar, and Mahadev Talwar attended the briefing, signaling a unified front among local leadership groups regarding the border issue.

Source: The Hindu — News