No legal obstacles for passing resolution on 'Belagavi being integral part of Karnataka', says senior lawyer Mohan Kataraki
Belagavi, June 18
Senior Supreme Court advocate Mohan Kataraki said there were "no legal obstacles" to passing a resolution in the Belagavi Municipal Corporation declaring Belagavi an integral part of Karnataka.
Kataraki, who represents the Karnataka government in the Mahadayi river water dispute case, made the remarks while interacting with pro-Kannada activists at the Circuit House in Belagavi.
The meeting was held after the Municipal Corporation Commissioner reportedly cited legal hurdles in passing such a resolution.
Several Kannada activists have been fighting for years for a resolution to be passed declaring Belagavi an integral part of Karnataka sought legal advice on the issue.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Kataraki said, "There are no legal obstacles to moving a resolution on behalf of Karnataka in the Belagavi Municipal Corporation. Belagavi is historically and legally an integral part of Karnataka."
He also raised what he described as important issues relating to the government's position on the border dispute, the Mahadayi project and the Almatti reservoir project.
The demand for a resolution declaring Belagavi an integral part of Karnataka has been raised by pro-Kannada groups for several years. The issue gained renewed attention after the Municipal Corporation Commissioner stated that legal hurdles existed in passing such a resolution.
The border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra over Belagavi remains pending before the courts.
The remarks came amid continuing discussions among pro-Kannada organisations regarding the passage of a resolution in the Belagavi Municipal Corporation on the status of the city.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What does this mean for Maharashtra's claims? I work in Belagavi and see both Kannadigas and Marathis living together. Resolutions create divisions. Shouldn't the focus be on people's livelihoods and development? The water issue is real, but legal battles over land just delay everything. India should move beyond these state disputes.
Very informative! Kataraki is right - Belagavi was part of Bombay Presidency only temporarily. The linguistic reorganisation in 1956 made it clear: Kannada-majority areas go to Karnataka. But the Municipal Commissioner creating artificial hurdles is worrying. Is there political pressure from Maharashtra? We need resolution, not procrastination. Mahadayi water is life for north Karnataka farmers.
Respectfully, I think this is political grandstanding. Both states have legitimate concerns, but passing a resolution now when the matter is sub judice might complicate things. Good to hear legal opinion, but let's wait for the court verdict. Our country needs less rhetoric and more cooperation between states.
As someone from Belagavi, I'm tired of this constant back-and-forth between Karnataka and Maharashtra. Both governments use this issue to divert attention from real problems - education, healthcare, infrastructure. The common person just wants peace and development. Kataraki's legal opinion is important, but can we also focus on making Belagavi a better place for everyone?
Great initiative by pro-Kannada activists! Belagavi is ours and no one can
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