Reach out to Marathi-speaking ppl in K'taka: Sena tells Mah CM

The Shiv Sena today asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reach out to Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka in the backdrop of the controversial comments made by a minister in the neighbouring state against chanting of "Jai Maharashtra" slogan there.
Senior Karnataka minister R Roshan Baig had reportedly said on Friday that elected representatives found chanting the "Jai Maharashtra" slogan stand to lose their elected post in the southern state.
Baig had also allegedly said that Karnataka government was intending to bring in a new legislation to check "anti- Karnataka activities" by elected representatives.
"With folded hands we request Maharashtra Chief Minister to show a trailer of 'Baahubali 2' to the Karnataka government (display the strength of Maharashtra)," the Sena today said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana' after Fadnavis had made a reference to the blockbuster film in the Maharashtra Legislature on Monday, while attacking the opposition.

"If he (Fadnavis) is proud of being a Marathi, he should himself go to Karnataka and give the Marathi-speaking people there some solace," the edit said.
The Sena also alleged that atrocities are being committed on Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka everyday and Maharashtra government was watching all this as a mute spectator.

"By making such comments, Baig has insulted the freedom of speech of people there and since the matter is sub-judice, he has insulted the Supreme Court as well," it said.
"The matter now is not limited to Marathi identity alone but has now become an issue of national integrity," it added.

Maharashtra has been demanding inclusion of Belgaum and other Marathi-speaking areas, currently located in Karnataka, in the state.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil has written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling Baig's statement as "unconstitutional" and has also threatened legal action.
He further said, "if such unlawful acts by a responsible minister are initiated, the government of Maharashtra will initiate legal action to protect the constitutional rights of the affected citizens.