Civic body’s hesitation to declare ‘Belagavi integral part of karnataka’ sparks row

Belagavi: The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) avoided taking a clear stand on a one-line resolution declaring “Belagavi is an integral part of Karnataka,” instead referring the matter to the state govt and the urban development department, triggering sharp criticism.

The issue was raised by nominated members Ramesh Sontakki and Dinesh Nashipudi during the council meeting here on Wednesday. They reiterated a demand previously submitted by various Kannada organisations and urged the council to adopt a resolution affirming Belagavi’s position within Karnataka and to forward it to the govt, with an additional clause affirming adherence to the Supreme Court's verdict on the border dispute.

However, instead of placing the resolution for approval, mayor Preeti Kamkar ruled that the corporation would first seek clarity from the govt and the urban development department on whether such a discussion was permissible. The ruling drew immediate criticism from Kannada organisations, and put the BJP in a fix.

During the proceedings, two members, including Ravindra Salunkhe, affiliated with Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) attempted to present arguments favouring Maharashtra. He said such an issue can’t be taken for discussion since the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute is in the Supreme Court, he argued.

Leader of the ruling party, Santosh Pednekar maintained that with the border dispute pending before the Supreme Court, it would be prudent to seek legal opinion. The legal adviser subsequently opined that neither a discussion nor a resolution stating “Belagavi is ours” was permissible within the council framework.

Strongly objecting, Sontakki pointed out that similar resolutions had been passed in the past, even in the legislative houses, despite the dispute being sub judice. Questioning the inconsistency, he urged the council to at least adopt a one-line resolution while recording dissent, if any.

Despite repeated appeals, the mayor relied on the legal opinion and referred the matter to the govt, intensifying the controversy. The development has revived debate over whether political silence within the council reflects caution or a calculated stance on a sensitive and emotionally charged issue.

Protest by Kannada outfits

Outside the city corporation premises, Kannada organisations staged protests demanding immediate passage of the resolution. Protesters gathered even before the meeting began and said, “We do not want discussion; we want a resolution. This is a question of self-respect.”

After the meeting concluded without a decision, protest erupted, with demonstrators questioning the corporation’s reluctance to declare, “Belagavi is ours.” The agitation continued through the day. Heavy police deployment was witnessed around the city corporation office, with restricted entry. However, the absence of a clear resolution only deepened resentment among Kannada groups, who questioned the need to seek govt approval for a position they consider unequivocal.