Siddaramaiah dismisses Maharashtra’s calls for Belagavi to be declared UT

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday reiterated that the Mahajan Commission Report is final regarding the border dispute involving Belagavi and termed calls from Maharashtra to declare the region a Union Territory as “sheer foolishness”. Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday reiterated that the Mahajan Commission Report is final regarding the border dispute involving Belagavi Responding to Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray’s remarks about declaring Belagavi a Union Territory, Siddaramaiah termed the demands “sheer foolishness” and emphasised that Karnataka will not tolerate such statements. On Monday, Thackeray wrote to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the state assembly to pass a resolution declaring Belagavi and Karwar as Union Territories to “ensure justice for Marathi-speaking people.” In his letter, Thackeray stated, “The issue of Belagavi and Karwar is becoming serious. I earnestly request justice for Marathi people in these regions by passing a resolution to declare them Union Territories.” Karnataka has consistently denied Maharashtra’s claims and reinforced its stance by establishing an assembly building in Belagavi, where the state legislature holds its winter session.