Maharashtra–Karnataka Border Issue: Hope of Marathi People Still Lies with Maharashtra

Belagavi / Mumbai | October 31, 2025:
Even after nearly seven decades, the Maharashtra–Karnataka border dispute continues to burn quietly, with Marathi-speaking residents of 865 villages along the border still holding on to their dream of merging with Maharashtra.

Since the beginning of this long struggle, 17 martyrs in Belagavi and 67 in Mumbai have laid down their lives. Hundreds have suffered injuries, imprisonment, false cases, and police assaults — yet their emotional and cultural bond with Maharashtra remains unbroken.

Historical Background

On November 1, 1956, when India reorganized its states on a linguistic basis, Marathi-speaking regions like Belagavi, Nipani, Karwar, Bidar, and Bhalki were unjustly merged into the then Mysore state (now Karnataka). This move, many claim, violated the spirit of linguistic reorganization and alienated Marathi people from their homeland and mother tongue.

Since then, Marathi residents in these regions have been observing November 1 as “Black Day” every year in protest of the central government’s decision.

Decades of Struggle

The border agitation has witnessed participation from almost every major leader and political party in Maharashtra — S.M. Joshi, Acharya Atre, Sharad Pawar, Balasaheb Thackeray, Mrinal Gore, Madhu Dandavate, Chhagan Bhujbal, Eknath Shinde and many others have joined protests in Belagavi, facing lathi charges, arrests, and police brutality.

In 1971, 67 Shiv Sainiks were martyred under the leadership of Balasaheb Thackeray. Despite numerous protests, fasts, and petitions, successive central governments have remained indifferent. Finally, on March 29, 2004, Maharashtra filed the border issue case in the Supreme Court of India, where it remains pending even after 20 years.

Challenges Faced by Marathi Residents

After the case reached the Supreme Court, Karnataka intensified efforts to “Kannadize” the disputed regions —

The Assembly building was set up in Belagavi and winter sessions began to be held there.

The city’s name was officially changed from Belgaum to Belagavi.

Kannada names appeared on government offices, buses, electricity bills, land records, and shops.

Kannada teachers were appointed in Marathi schools, and local documents were forced into Kannada.

Those opposing this move were charged with sedition, attempted murder, and other serious offences. Many Marathi youths are still required to appear in court twice a week.

Efforts from Maharashtra

Over the years, Maharashtra governments have taken steps such as:

Appointing coordination ministers for border affairs (currently Shambhuraj Desai and Chandrakant Patil).

Providing financial aid to Marathi institutions in border areas.

Extending Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana benefits to 865 villages.

Promising the appointment of a special officer for border regions.

However, activists emphasize that symbolic gestures and schemes are not enough — the government must fund legal efforts properly, including paying senior advocates and ensuring coordination between departments.

Restrictions and Rights Issues

In recent years, Karnataka’s administration has even banned entry of Maharashtra leaders into Belagavi during protests like Black Day or Mahamelava, violating freedom of expression. Marathi residents expect Maharashtra to stand firmly against these restrictions and protect their democratic rights.

The Way Forward

In 2022, Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed forming a joint committee between the two states and appointing an IAS officer from the Centre to maintain harmony until the court verdict. However, those directives are yet to be implemented.

The Linguistic Minorities Commission’s report also awaits discussion in Parliament, and activists demand Maharashtra MPs to raise the issue. They insist that top legal experts like Harish Salve be engaged to argue Maharashtra’s case strongly in the Supreme Court.

Voice of the Border People

As Manohar Kinekar, Acting President of the Central Maharashtra Ekikaran Committee, Belagavi, said:

“Our fight is for justice and our identity. All we expect from Maharashtra is consistent support, unity, and determination until we reunite with our motherland.”