Shiv Sena (UBT) Appeals for Central Intervention Amid Maharashtra-Karnataka Tensions
In the wake of escalating tensions between Maharashtra and Karnataka, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to convene a meeting with the Chief Ministers of both states to address the ongoing disputes. This appeal follows a series of incidents that have heightened regional discord, particularly concerning language and territorial issues.
The immediate catalyst for this plea was the assault on Bhaskar Jadhav, a Marathi-speaking driver employed by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). On the night of February 21, while operating a bus from Bengaluru to Mumbai, Jadhav was attacked near Chitradurga in Karnataka by activists from a local organization. The assailants reportedly blackened his face and vandalized the bus, accusing him of not speaking Kannada. This incident has intensified the longstanding linguistic and territorial tensions between the two states.
In retaliation, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers in Pune’s Swargate area defaced buses bearing Karnataka registration plates. The local police intervened promptly, detaining several individuals involved in the vandalism. Deputy Commissioner of Police Smartana Patil stated, “As soon as we got to know that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers were going to come here and do something, we immediately dispatched force. They were successful in spraying black colour on one bus. Not much damage has been done.” Legal actions are being pursued against those responsible.
In response to the attack on their driver, the MSRTC has suspended over 250 bus services between Maharashtra and Karnataka indefinitely, citing concerns for the safety of passengers and staff. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized that services will remain halted until the Karnataka government provides assurances regarding the security of MSRTC personnel and passengers. He conveyed solidarity to the injured driver, stating, “You are not alone in this matter; our government stands firmly behind you.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has urged the central government to intervene, highlighting the need for a high-level discussion to prevent such incidents in the future. He remarked, “We do not want such incidents to take place. PM and Home Minister should call for a meeting with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Karnataka.” Raut also criticized actions in Karnataka, such as the closure of Marathi schools and cultural organizations, questioning their justification.
These events are set against the backdrop of a protracted border dispute over the Belagavi region, which has a significant Marathi-speaking population but is administratively part of Karnataka. The dispute has been a source of contention for decades, with both states asserting claims over the territory. The recent incidents have reignited these tensions, underscoring the urgency for a mediated resolution.
The central government’s involvement is deemed crucial in facilitating dialogue between the two states to address both immediate concerns and the underlying issues fueling the discord. A coordinated effort is essential to restore normalcy, ensure the safety of citizens, and preserve the harmonious relationship between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
