Vijayapura: Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol on Monday, warned of severe political repercussions if Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray makes more statements regarding the Karnataka-Maharashtra border.
It can be recalled that Thackeray has been facing backlash from the state’s politicians ever since his tweet on “incorporating Marathi-speaking areas” in Karnataka into Maharashtra.
Speaking to the media at the inauguration of several development works in the Chadchan taluk of the district, he said that Thackeray’s statements completely goes against the spirit of the federal system of India.
“Being a Chief Minister and holding a responsible Constitutional position, he (Thackeray) should behave accordingly. He should not rake up unnecessary controversies and play with the emotions of Kannadigas with regard to Belagavi,” he said.
Belagavi is an integral part of Karnataka and no one can take even an inch of it away, he stated.
Reminding Thackeray that the Belagavi issue was settled decades ago with the reorganization of the states, Karjol said that he should not create a rift between the people of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
“Thackeray’s statements will only create animosity between the people of the neighbouring states. We are living in peace and want to continue living in peace. Thackeray should learn to speak within the Constitutional framework,” he said.
Commenting on state minister Shashikala Jolle’s reported participation in a Maratha event in Maharashtra, Karjol said that people should love and learn any language of the country, while also not allowing any harm to fall upon their own language and culture.
The BJP government will not allow the interests of Karnataka to be harmed, he said, adding, “When it comes to our land, language and culture, we will never compromise with anybody.”
