Police detain workers at Karnataka-Maharashtra border during Rajyotsava celebrations
More than 50 Shiv Sena workers were stopped at the Nipani taluk checkpost during Kannada Rajyotsava on Sunday.
Police detained more than 50 Shiv Sena workers at the Koganolli checkpost in Nipani taluk on Sunday, according to a report by Urban Acres. The group, travelling from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district to Belagavi for a ‘Black Day’ event, was handed over to the Kagal police in Kolhapur district.
The workers were headed by Vijay Devane, who serves as the president of the Kolhapur district unit for the Uddhav Thackeray faction. In Belagavi, the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti conducted a ‘Black Day’ programme without permission from the district administration.
Protesters marched from Sambhaji Udyan through several roads to the Marathi Mandir Kalyan Mandap, demanding that Belagavi, Khanapur, Bidar, Bhalki, Karwar and Nipani be merged with Maharashtra. Police also detained several leaders, including social activist M.S. Patil Naribol, who intended to hoist a separate state flag.
These leaders alleged that the Kalyana Karnataka region faces unfair treatment regarding development.
Official 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations included flag-hoisting, parades and cultural events across various districts. In Chikkamagaluru, Deputy Commissioner Bhanwar Singh Meena hoisted the flag because district in-charge minister K.J. George was unwell.
In Mysuru, 92 individuals were presented with district-level Rajyotsava awards.
In Dakshina Kannada, Minister U.T. Khader stated that the state must prepare for climate change, noting that low rainfall could cause water shortages by January. Meanwhile, in Udupi, district in-charge minister Rizwan Arshad announced a ₹48 crore project to build an entertainment park and sports facilities on 7.07 acres at Thrasi and Maravanthe beaches.