Belagavi, The Maharashtra government, acknowledging errors in its initial petition, is set to file a revised plea in the Supreme Court regarding the ongoing border dispute with Karnataka. The move aims to rectify mistakes and provide compelling evidence supporting Maharashtra’s claim to the disputed areas.
Shiv Sena MP Dairyasheel Mane, president of the Maharashtra High-Power Committee on the border dispute, revealed the decision during a function organized by pro-Maharashtra organizations in Belagavi. He highlighted that the Supreme Court’s reluctance to accept the case prompted this step, emphasizing the need for solid proof to support Maharashtra’s claim to the 865 disputed places in Karnataka.
Mane acknowledged the hurried filing of the initial petition under pressure from Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) and mentioned that legal advisors identified mistakes post-filing. Maharashtra is actively collaborating with legal experts, providing additional proofs and details to strengthen its case.
A delegation of Maharashtra MPs, accompanied by MES leaders in Karnataka, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address alleged injustices by the Karnataka government. However, MES senior leader Malojirao Ashtekar expressed dissatisfaction with Maharashtra’s decision to file a fresh petition, questioning the government’s actions over the past two decades.
In response, MES spokesman Vikas Kalaghatagi criticized Maharashtra for occasional responses and a lack of concern towards pro-Maharashtrians in Karnataka. Despite Maharashtra’s move, Karnataka’s in-charge minister of the district, Satish Jarkiholi, reassured that the fresh petition would not impact Karnataka’s case, emphasizing historical and future rights to the disputed places.
The border dispute dates back to 2004 when Maharashtra filed a suit with the Supreme Court, naming the union government and Karnataka as respondents. Allegations of mistakes in the petition arose due to multiple adjournments. MES led movements opposing compulsory Kannada language education, drawing attention from prominent political leaders.
As the legal battle unfolds, both Maharashtra and Karnataka remain committed to presenting substantial evidence to support their respective claims in this longstanding border dispute.
