Belagavi resolution row heats up; Cong to move council proposal

Belagavi: The prolonged delay by the ruling BJP in the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) in passing a one-line resolution declaring Belagavi an integral part of Karnataka has turned the issue into a major political flashpoint. With the matter pending for over two months, Congress has moved to capitalise on the situation, with Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait preparing to raise it in the upcoming council meeting.

The demand for the resolution has gathered considerable momentum over the past several weeks, with more than 20 Kannada organisations staging sustained protests. The agitation has drawn support from prominent seers of various mutts, as well as writers and intellectuals, who have collectively urged the civic body to adopt the resolution without further delay. Despite mounting pressure, the BJP leadership in the corporation has remained reluctant, reportedly wary of alienating Marathi-speaking voters, a stance that has triggered resentment among pro-Kannada groups.

The agitation peaked recently when Kannada organisations, led by activist Vatal Nagaraj, organised a massive protest rally in Belagavi. However, BJP members have so far held their ground, declining to initiate the resolution process. Earlier, delegations from Kannada outfits had also met BJP state president BY Vijayendra and submitted a memorandum seeking action, but without tangible results.

Sensing a political opportunity, Congress has stepped up its engagement with the issue. At a meeting held on Monday evening at the DC’s office in the presence of district minister Satish Jarkiholi, MLA Asif Sait announced his decision to raise the matter in the next BCC council session on behalf of his party.

Reaffirming his personal commitment, Sait invoked his family’s legacy, noting that his father, Nooruddin, had actively participated in the Mahajan Commission-era movement advocating Belagavi’s inclusion in Karnataka. “Our family has long stood for Belagavi’s place in Karnataka, and I remain equally committed,” he told media persons.

The announcement has put BJP in a politically sensitive position as it continues to delay the resolution. In recognition of his stand, Sait was felicitated by pro-Kannada organisations, which welcomed his initiative.

Sait also assured that a formal letter will soon be sent to the mayor, seeking the convening of a general body meeting at the earliest to deliberate on and pass the resolution, a move that could bring the prolonged agitation closer to resolution.