Declare Marathi-speaking in Karnataka as Union Territory: Uddhav Thackeray amid Border Row

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said areas dominated by Marathi-speaking people on the State’s border with Karnataka should be declared as a Union Territory till the Supreme Court gives its final verdict on the issue.

Speaking at the launch of a book on the boundary dispute between the two States, Mr. Thackeray lashed out at the Karnataka government over alleged atrocities on Marathi-speaking population in those areas, and said there is a need to fight to win the case for their inclusion in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra claims certain areas, including Belgaum, Karwar and Nippani which are part of Karnataka, contending the majority of population in these areas is Marathi-speaking.