Belagavi, 13 Oct

The Belagavi district administration has announced that it will not permit pro-Maharashtrian groups to observe Karnataka Rajyotsava (State Formation Day) as Black Day on 1 November.

Organisations such as the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) and Shiv Sena have long marked the day in protest against the inclusion of Marathi-speaking areas in Karnataka instead of Maharashtra.

At a Rajyotsava preparatory meeting with Kannada organisations, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan said the administration would not allow any activity that could disrupt the state celebrations. “No rallies or meetings will be permitted. We urge people of all linguistic backgrounds to participate in the festival,” he said.

The MES responded that protest is its democratic right and that it does not need official permission to express dissent. Despite repeated restrictions, the group has traditionally held marches wearing black, displayed black flags in Belagavi South, and conducted meetings at Maratha Mandir. It also plans to invite political leaders from Maharashtra to this year’s gathering.

To maintain law and order, authorities will intensify checks at all border points to prevent the entry of Maharashtra leaders. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Rakshna Vedike warned it would disrupt any events organised by pro-Maharashtrian groups on the day.