New Delhi: In a sharp reaction to the raging language row between Karnataka and Maharashtra which sparked in Belagavi and spread like wildfire, the Karnataka BJP on Sunday criticised “attempts to insult Kannada and the state” and dubbed it as an “unpardonable crime”.
BJP state chief BY Vijayendra made it clear that those who speak against Kannada and Karnataka will never be forgiven. Talking to reporters, he said that insulting Kannada and Karnataka, that too within the state, is an unpardonable act and crime. “I noticed the statement of Pro-Kannada organisations. We Kannadigas need to raise our voice against such aggression,” he pointed out.
How did the row erupt
A massive controversy broke out on Friday after a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver and conductor in in Balekundri (KH) village near Belagavi were attacked by a group of people for not replying to a passenger in Marathi. On the other hand, some passengers alleged that the conductor spoke to them in Kannada and refused to issue tickets when they responded in Marathi.
A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) driver was also attacked while he was on duty in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which resulted in the department suspending its bus service from Kolhapur to Karnataka.
An official reportedly said that as per the directions of Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, ST buses going from Kolhapur to Karnataka state have been cancelled for an indefinite period for the safety of passengers and employees travelling in MSRTC buses.
What did the Maharashtra minister say
The Maharashtra minister also spoke over the phone with the assaulted driver and extended him assurance, stating that “our government stands firmly behind you”. He also pledged that unless the Karnataka government takes a clear stance on this issue and engages in discussions with the Maharashtra government, the bus services in the affected area will continue to be suspended.
Sanjay Raut urges PM Modi, Amit Shah to intervene
Amid the raging row, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah to convene a meeting between the chief ministers of the two states to ensure that such incidents do not occur. On Saturday, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers carried out a protest. Buses with Karnataka number plates were blackened in the Swargate area of Pune city during the protest.
