A day after the unveiling of a 21-foot bronze statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaja, in the presence of MLA Abhay Patil and Mayor Kamble, on Monday at a busy suburban circle by Maharashtra’s public works department minister Shivendraraje Bhosale caused a major controversy that has raised among the Karnataka Rakshna Vedike members [KRV].
A police case has been filed against MLA Abhay Patil, the event organizer’s and the invited guests by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) members, accusing the BJP leader of insulting Karnataka, in Belagavi on January 8, 2025.
The complaint has been registered at the Tilakwadi police station. According to the complaint raised, the crowd and guests who were invited for the unveiling of the Sambhaji Maharaj statue in Angol, Belagavi raised pro-Maharashtra slogans ,during the event.
Pro-Kannada group, KRV Narayangowda faction has announced its intent to file anti-state activity cases against MLA Patil and mayor Kamble as during the ceremony, “The crowd and guests including Mr Bhosle and others, raised allegedly pro- Maharashra slogans stating “Jai Maharashtra,” which resulted as an insult to the Karnataka Government and it’s culture”, they said.
In his complaint registered at the Tilakwadi Police Station, KRV coordinator Deepak Gudaganatti said Mr Patil had invited Shivendra Raje Bhosale, Public Works Minister of Maharashtra, for the unveiling of the statue of the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj . Gudaganatti expressed outrage over the neglect of local Kannada icons, such as Kittur Rani Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, and Jagajyoti Basaveshwara, in favor of figures from Maharashtra.
The ministers of Karnataka and local leaders were not invited for the event despite of the funds that was provided through Belagavi mayor Sunita Kamble’s special allocation and the Karnataka Government for building the podium and installing the statue.
According to reports, the inauguration event was held without the requisite permission from the district administration. Mohammed Roshan termed it “illegal” and stated the statue would be unveiled again officially in two months after adhering to government protocols. Roshan said that the installation lacked a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the police department, “The statue will be officially inaugurated only after completing civil works and following protocols,” he said.
BJP leaders C.T. Ravi and Chandrakant Bellad, who supported the statue installation, have been urged to state their clarity for allegedly supporting it without adhering the government laws and protocols.
“The repeated visits of the leaders of Maharashtra continues to deepen linguistic divisions and furthered the hatred based on language. Mr. Patil is held responsible for disrupting the peace, law and order in the city”, the complaint said.
Mr Gudaganatti and others met Deputy Commissioner of police Rohan Jagadeesh and submitted a memorandum seeking a strict action against the MLA Abhay Patil, District in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi accused Patil and other political figures of disregarding procedures. Jarkiholi said that the unveiling was premature, as the venue lacked essential civil infrastructure, including railings.
KRV district president Deepak Gudaganatti demanded resignations of Patil and Kamble stating that their actions are unacceptable,” he said, warning of statewide protests if apologies are not issued.
Karnataka Rakshna Vedike members has also demanded to investigate into the total funds spent on the construction of Shiv Charitre and Shiva Srishti in Belagavi South. Gudaganatti has also questioned the current state of these projects and insisted on accountability for public funds.
In response, Patil defended his actions, asserting that the city corporation commissioner and mayor had been informed about the event. He said that the statue’s installation followed a 2022 resolution passed by the city corporation. “The dedication had the mayor’s oral permission,” Patil argued.
Another pro-Kannada group, Kirturu Karnataka Sene questioned why statues of Karnataka’s historical icons were not prioritized. They staged a protest march, accusing Patil of neglecting local heritage to serve pro-Maharashtra interests.