Belagavi, 29 Oct 

The Belagavi district administration said the pro-Maharashtrians would not be allowed to observe 1 November— Karnataka Rajyotsava (State formation day) — as a ‘Black Day’. However, the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have vowed to proceed with their planned demonstrations, asserting that peaceful dissent is their democratic right.

Maharashtra Ministers Chandrakant Patil and Shambhuraje Desai have been invited to take part in the events. However, their participation is yet to be confirmed.

The MES has been observing 1 November as ‘Black Day’ every year since the 1956 reorganisation of states, which saw Marathi-speaking regions such as Belagavi, Karwar and Bidar included in Karnataka instead of Maharashtra. 

“We have marked this day for decades to express our displeasure over being separated from Maharashtra. It is a tradition of protest we intend to continue,” the MES said in a statement.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan announced that no rallies or public gatherings would be permitted that could disturb Rajyotsava celebrations. 

In previous years, MES activists have marched in black attire, displayed black flags, and held meetings at Maratha Mandir in Belagavi South. The organisation plans to follow similar practices this year. 

Pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has warned it will oppose any attempt to disrupt the State’s celebrations. 

Amid the rising tensions, security has been tightened along the Karnataka–Maharashtra border.

Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said additional forces have been deployed at key entry points, including the Koganolli RTO checkpoint and Kudremani.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra continues to press its claim over 846 border villages, including Belagavi, in a case pending before the Supreme Court.