Amid statements from some Karnataka politicians that Mumbai is a fit case to be a union territory, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday asserted that "Mumbai belongs to Maharashtra and not to anyone’s father," even as the boundary dispute between the two neighbours continued to rage.
The state government reiterated to fight out the case legally in the Supreme Court for "each and every inch of land" and abide by the "status quo" agreed by Maharashtra and Karnataka governments during the intervention by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"….Mumbai Maharashtra chi, nahi konacha bapachi (Mumbai belongs to Maharashtra and not to anyone’s father)," Shinde told the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
"…mi punah sangto ki Mumbai Maharashtra chi, ti konacha bapachi nahi (I am saying it again, Mumbai belongs to Maharashtra and not to anyone’s father)," Fadnavis told the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Shinde reiterated the commitment of the government to stand by 865 Marathi-speaking villages in Belagavi, Karwar, Nipani, Bidar, Bhalki and Nipani.
Saying that the dispute is nearly 66-years-old, Shinde also narrated how he took part in the struggle. "You all recall (NCP leader) Chhagan Bhujbal (then a Shiv Sainik) went there…after him, at the orders of late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray and under leadership of Satish Pradhan, we went (to Belgaum) and were arrested and put in Bellary jail," he said.
"We have worked with Balasaheb and the late Anand Dighe…we don’t get frightened with police cases," he said.
"It is a 66-years-old problem, of these several years have been ruled by Congress….but you expect it to be solved within six months," said Shinde.
Referring to the Democratic Front government from 1999-14, he said: "They were there for 14 years...how many meeting were held with Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti and the Centre?"
Shinde also thanked the Centre for intervening on the issue.
Fadnavis’ statement came after Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar raised the issue and expressed concern over such statements despite the intervention of Shah and urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis to look into such statements from the neighbouring state.
Pawar pointed out that Karnataka Chief Minister and ministers have been hurting Maharashtra's pride by their remarks and the Maharashtra government's response is not in the same coin.
Fadnavis urged Shah to reprimand such "motormouths."
"We will not tolerate anyone staking claim over Mumbai and we will send a protest letter to the Karnataka government and inform the Union Home Minister," Fadnavis said, adding: "This is not the sentiment only of the government but the House."
In a meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two states with Shah, it was decided that no fresh claim would be laid by any of the two parties, he said.
"The comments by Karnataka politicians are contrary to what was decided. Will not tolerate any claim staked on Mumbai. We condemn this….the comments are not in line with what was decided in the meeting (with the Home Minister)… It will be brought to his notice," he said.