Maharashtra to amend SC plea on border dispute: Shiv Sena MP

The Maharashtra government, acknowledging errors in its earlier plea regarding the border dispute with Karnataka, plans to submit a revised petition to the Supreme Court, according to Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) MP Dairyasheel Mane. Speaking at a function in Belagavi organized by pro-Maharashtra groups, Mane stated, “There are a few mistakes in our petition for which Maharashtra has decided to file a fresh revised petition soon.”

Mane, president of the Maharashtra High-Power Committee on the border dispute, mentioned that the apex court appeared reluctant to hear the case due to these mistakes.

Mane emphasized the need for solid proof to support Maharashtra’s claim to the 865 disputed places in Karnataka, stating that the previous petition was hastily filed under pressure from pro-Maharashtrian organization Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES). He acknowledged that the legal advisory team identified mistakes after the petition was filed and reiterated Maharashtra’s commitment to supporting Marathis in Karnataka.

A delegation of MPs from Maharashtra, along with MES leaders in Karnataka, plans to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address alleged injustices from the Karnataka government. MES senior leader Malojirao Ashtekar criticized Maharashtra’s decision to file a fresh petition, expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of support from the Maharashtra government. MES spokesman Vikas Kalaghatagi added, “Pro-Maharashtrians in Karnataka are upset with Maharashtra’s occasional responses and lack of concern.”

Maharashtra filed a suit in the Supreme Court in 2004, naming the union government and Karnataka as respondents. Concerns arose about mistakes in the petition, prompting the decision to submit a revised plea. In response, Karnataka’s in-charge minister, Satish Jarkiholi, reassured that the fresh petition would not impact Karnataka’s case, urging Kannadigas not to be concerned about Maharashtra’s decision.