Border row erupts, Yediyurappa slams Maharashtra CM Uddhav's statement

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday (January 18) slammed Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for his statement on “integration of Marathi language and culture into Maharashtra”, and said it is “contrary to the principles of the Indian Union”.

“The statement of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on the integration of Marathi language and culture into Maharashtra is obnoxious. This is contrary to the principles of the Indian Union. The Mahajan report is final and true,” said Yediyurappa.

Also read: Sena begins alliance talks in poll-bound Bengal, eyes BJP vote bank

He said it is painful that the chief minister of Maharashtra is trying to sabotage an amicable atmosphere. “Thus, regionalism and talk of linguistics are detrimental to the unity of the country. I condemn this. In Karnataka, the Marathas are living with Kannadigas. While the Kannadigas in the border districts of Maharashtra are living with the Marathas,” he said.

The Maharashtra chief minister on Sunday said that his government will incorporate into the state areas of Karnataka where Marathi-speaking people are in majority.

Also read: Uddhav’s one year in govt: So far, so good, but allies, BJP lie in wait

“Bringing Karnataka-wide Marathi-speaking and cultural region to Maharashtra will be a tribute to the soldiers who were martyred in this border war. We are united and committed to that. Respects to the martyrs with this promise,” the Chief Minister’s Office tweeted on Sunday.