Belagavi : Even as Karnataka celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava with grandeur across the state, leaders and activists of the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) in Belagavi observed “Black Day” on Saturday, continuing their long-standing anti-Karnataka stance. Despite the police denying permission for the event, MES workers took out processions through several parts of the city wearing black clothes and shouting pro-Maharashtra slogans.
The agitators marched through Mahadwara Road, Sambhaji Garden, Fulbagh Galli, Bandhur Galli, Hemukelani Chowk, Main Post Office Circle, and Ramalingkhind Galli, before assembling at Maratha Mandir near the railway overbridge, where they held a public meeting. Several children were also seen participating in the march, sparking widespread outrage.
Prominent MES corporator Vaishali Bhatkande was among those who took part, drawing sharp criticism for her role in what many described as a “treacherous activity” on the state’s formation day.
Chanting slogans such as “Belagavi, Nipani, Karwar, Bidar, Bhalki should merge with Maharashtra” and “Either be in Maharashtra or be in jail”, the protestors reiterated their demand for Belagavi’s inclusion in Maharashtra. MES leaders Manohar Kinekhar, Ramakant Konduskar, Prakash Shirolkar, Amar Yallurkar, Sarita Patil, Saraswati Patil, and Renu Killekar addressed the gathering, claiming that injustice was done to Marathi-speaking regions during the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956. “We will continue our fight until justice is done. No one can stop our struggle,” they declared.
Police clampdown:
Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase confirmed that MES had not been granted permission for the march or gathering. “Cases will be registered against MES leaders for violating prohibitory orders. Maharashtra MP Dhairyasheel Mane and Shiv Sena leader Vijay Devne, who attempted to enter the state to participate in the event, were stopped at the Koganolli border and sent back by Belagavi and Kolhapur police,” the Commissioner stated.
Heavy police deployment was made across sensitive areas of Belagavi to prevent clashes between MES supporters and pro-Kannada groups.
Kannada activists detained:
Meanwhile, members of several Kannada organizations, led by Mahadev Talawar and Wajid Hirekodi, attempted to march towards Maratha Mandir to confront the MES activists. Police detained over 20 Kannada protesters near Gogte Circle to prevent escalation. A brief scuffle and heated exchange ensued before the situation was brought under control.
