Convert the disputed area into Union Territory: Uddhav

Nagpur: Joining the ongoing session of Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday, former CM Uddhav Thackeray created a political storm when he suggested making the disputed territories between Maharashtra and Karnataka into Union Territories. He took an aggressive stand on the issue of border dispute. Speaking in the House, Uddhav Thackeray said, ‘If there is going to be a resolution, it should be that until Supreme Court gives a decision on this issue, this entire area should remain under Union rule. The repression should stop there. With entire administration being taken over by the central government, one would expect that central government would now act as a custodian.” Uddhav further added , “Maha - rashtrians occupied by Karnataka are suffering atrocities. Maharashtra Ekta Samiti is running out of patience. But why don’t we stand with determination. Government of Maharashtra never oppressed the Kannada speaking people of Maharashtra, but the Marathi speaking people of Karnataka and those living in the occupied Maharashtra region were oppressed by the government there. A case was registered against them. There was a case of linguistic atrocities. The screws are getting tightened. Even when this question is in the Supreme Court, the Karnataka government’s stand is that it will not give even an inch of space to Maharashtra. Belgaum has been given the status of a sub-capital. Still our CM doesn’t even raise a brow on this issue.”