BELAGAVI
It will be a day of celebrations as Karnataka marks its Statehood Day (Rajyotsava Day) on November 1, but it will also be a day of restrictions for Goan motorists and visitors in Belagavi.
Celebrated annually on November 1, Karnataka Rajyotsava marks the day in 1956 when the former princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka) was formed, uniting all Kannada-speaking regions under one administration.
Belagavi, being a border district with historical linguistic sensitivities, witnesses grand processions, cultural parades, and flag-hoisting ceremonies symbolising unity and pride among Kannada-speaking citizens.
Amid the celebrations, massive processions will be held throughout the city, due to which all city roads will be closed, and entering the city could be an uphill task for Goans intending to travel to Belagavi on Saturday.
Belagavi city has geared up for mega celebrations organised by the district authorities and various organisations as well.
Both the Commissioner of Police of Belagavi City and the Superintendent of Police of Belagavi District have been directed to strictly enforce law and order.
With lakhs of people expected to gather across the district for Rajyotsava celebrations, authorities have assured heightened vigilance and tight security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of events.
Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse has advised travellers not to enter the city, especially after 10 am, as the procession of Tai Bhuvaneshwari (Mother Bhuvaneshwari) will begin on the main city roads.
The Police Commissioner has appealed to people to take alternative routes to travel outside the city and avoid entering the main city roads.
The district administration has also made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that the celebrations are not marred by the ‘Black Day’ protest rally organised by the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, demanding the merger of Belagavi and border areas with Maharashtra.
In view of some prominent leaders from Maharashtra expected to participate in the ‘Black Day’, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan has issued prohibitory orders preventing Maharashtra MP Dhairyasheel Mane and Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) leaders from entering Belagavi district on November 1.
According to reports from the Superintendent of Police, Belagavi, MP Dhairyasheel Mane, Vijay Shamrao Devane (President, Shiv Sena, Uddhav faction, Kolhapur), and about 25 activists intend to enter Belagavi District via Nippani to join the protests.
Authorities fear that the presence of these leaders or any provocative speeches could inflame linguistic tensions between Kannada and Marathi-speaking communities during the state’s foundation day festivities.
