Belagavi witnessed a strong protest by various Kannada organizations on Monday, led by senior activist Vatal Nagaraj. The demonstration was in response to a recent attack on a bus conductor for conversing in Kannada. Protesters gathered at Rani Channamma Circle, obstructing traffic and raising slogans against the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES).

Prominent leaders, including Vatal Nagaraj, Sa Ra Govindu, LR Shivarame Gowda, and Rupesh Rajanna, paid tribute to Kittur Rani Channamma by garlanding her statue. The rally proceeded from Channamma Circle to the deputy commissioner’s office, where a memorandum was submitted to the state government. Activists pressed for immediate action against those inciting unrest and insisted on banning MES.

Addressing the media, Vatal Nagaraj criticized the Karnataka government for being unaware of the ground reality in Belagavi. He recalled that the previous Bommai administration had pledged to outlaw MES but failed to do so. Urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to act swiftly, he warned of blocking the next session at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha if the demand was ignored. He also suggested that three ministers should oversee Belagavi’s situation monthly.

Sa Ra Govindu alleged that Maharashtra politicians are backing MES miscreants while Karnataka leaders remain complicit. He emphasized that MES should not exist in the state under any circumstances. The activists called for a statewide Karnataka bandh on March 22 to push for various demands, including Mahadayi and Mekedatu projects.

Read Also: