Bengaluru: Bhimashankar Patil, President, Karnataka Nava Nirmala Vedike has made a controversial offer. Speaking to reporters in Belagavi, he announced that his organisation would pay Rs 25,000 if anyone slapped the people’s representatives who participate in the black day organised by the Maharastra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) in Belagavi on November 1.
According to sources, MES is organising a black day in Belagavi on November 1 opposing the inclusion of Marathi speaking areas in Karnataka. “Every year MES is organising this event. There is nothing special in it,” said a police officer from Belagavi.
“I will pay Rs.25,000 to all those who slap the people’s representatives who attend the black day celebrations. When the whole state observes Rajyotsava day, in Belagavi only black day is observed,” alleged Patil.
This statement is expected to create an uneasy atmosphere in the sensitive Belagavi district which is known for the tug of war between Kannada and Marathi organisations.