Synopsis
Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik condemned an attack on an ST bus in Karnataka, allegedly by Kannada Rakshak Vedike activists. The driver was assaulted for not speaking Kannada, prompting calls for security for Maharashtra's bus services and highlighting ongoing border disputes.Key Takeaways
- Attack on ST Bus in Karnataka condemned.
- Driver assaulted for language issue.
- Calls for increased security for bus drivers.
- Ongoing Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute.
- Future bus services to Karnataka under review.
Mumbai, Feb 22 (NationPress) Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik expressed strong disapproval on Saturday regarding the assault reportedly carried out by the Kannada Rakshak Vedike members on the state transport (ST) bus in Karnataka's Chitradurga due to the driver's inability to speak Kannada.
The driver was reportedly attacked, and protestors vandalized the bus by throwing black paint on it. This incident has sparked significant outrage in Maharashtra.
Sarnaik stated: “This issue should not escalate further, and I plan to discuss it with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. It’s unacceptable for local thugs to halt the Maharashtra bus for publicity purposes. The longstanding dispute over the Maharashtra-Karnataka border is well-known; Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has even served two months in jail over this. We are loyal Shiv Sainiks before we are ministers,” he emphasized, reminding the Karnataka government that state-run buses also operate in Maharashtra, suggesting potential retaliation.
“This incident is utterly condemnable. A case will be filed against the local thugs, and we have issued orders for stringent measures. We can respond decisively,” added the minister.
Sarnaik further indicated that the state government is taking this attack on the state transport bus very seriously and will determine whether to permit state transport buses to travel to Karnataka if similar incidents occur in the future.
“Places like Belgaum, Nipani, and Karwar should belong to Maharashtra. This movement originated with Shiv Sena under Balasaheb Thackeray. I will bring this up with the Chief Minister in the next cabinet meeting and take a suitable position,” Sarnaik stated.
In light of the attack, bus drivers and conductors from the state transport undertaking have requested security assurances, indicating they will only travel to Karnataka once proper protection is in place.
Following the incident, Maharashtra's state transport buses have ceased operations to Karnataka, leaving passengers from Belgaum who wish to travel to Maharashtra stranded. Furthermore, travelers from Sawantwadi, Chandgad, Ajra, Gadhinglaj, Miraj, and Sangli are also awaiting transportation at bus depots.
