Yediyurappa: 'State won't cede a single inch of land in Belagavi district conflict'

As tensions between neighbours Karnataka and Maharashtra over bordering district of Belagavi resurfaces, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa says state will t cede ‘a single inch of land’. 

Speaking in Bengaluru ahe of a Cabinet meeting, Yediyurappa said, "What should belong to Maharashtra and what should be with Karnataka has been decided alrey. For political gain, new (Maharashtra) CM is raking up this issue again. I condemn this.

re is question of ceding even one inch of place to Maharashtra. CM of Maharashtra is creating an opportunity of Kannigas and maharashtrians fighting with each or. I appeal to all to maintain peace and harmony". 

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rmal life affected

statement came after state-run bus services were suspended between Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Belagavi in Karnataka since Saturday night. As on Monday morning, over 2,400 passengers were stranded in bus stops in both states. rmal life has been hit in parts of Belagavi as several shops have remained shut-some due to fear of violence and some ors in protest. 

Activists of Karnataka Navnirman Sena (KNS) blackened and tore hoardings, boards and flexes in Marathi in Belagavi while Shiv Sena returned favour by meting out similar treatment to boards in Kanna in Kolhapur and Sangli. In parts of Maharashtra, effigies of Yediyurappa were also burnt to mark protest.

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Tensions between two states came to fore again after a provocative statement by president of KNS, Bhimashankar Patil. He h remarked that ‘leers of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) should be me to stand on border and shot’, sparking a backlash from neighbouring state even as Belagavi-based MES found support in Shiv Sena. 

What is Belagavi border issue? 

Belgaum district was part of Bombay Presidency till 1947 and n was a part of Bombay State. In 1956 when states were bifurcated on linguistic basis, Belgaum was ded to newly formed state of Mysore (later renamed Karnataka), when States Reorganisation Act was passed.

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Since re was a large number of Marathi speaking population in Belagavi, protests erupted, demanding that district be incorporated into Maharashtra. Since n, multiple committees and commissions have been constituted to study issue and give ir reports. Supreme Court is hearing a case regarding dispute. 

Belagavi has been declared second capital of Karnataka and winter session of Karnataka assembly is usually held in Suvarna Souda, a replica of State Secretariat in Bengaluru- Vidhan Souda.

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