Belagavi closed chapter: State tears into MES

CM Bommai moves resolution condemning vandalism and desecration of statues; warns of action under Goonda Act.

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

Belagavi: Sending out a clear message to pro-Marathi Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), the Kar nataka Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the vandalism allegedly committed by MES activists in Belagavi city and declared that the verdict of the Mahajan Commission on the Belagavi issue was final adding that the city was an integral part of Karnataka. The Assembly also resolved to install the statues of Kannada icons Kittur Rani Chennamma and her trusted lieutenant, Sangolli Rayanna in the sprawling premises of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai who moved the resolution, said such incidents will be considered an act of sedition and action will be taken against those involved under the Goonda Act. The government will seek legal opinion on banning MES and will not spare activists disturbing peace by unnecessarily raking up the Belagavi issue for the last 50 years, he said.

Cabinet go-ahead for Anti-conversion Bill amid outcry from Congress

NT Correspondent

The state Cabinet has decided to go ahead with the tabling of the controversial Anti-Conversion Bill in the winter session in Belagavi despite opposition from several quarters including the Congress party and the Christian community. At a meeting in BelagavI on Monday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai asked ministers to make it clear that the bill is not aimed at the minority Christian community but only against forced conversion by offering money to poor families. Friday is the last day of the session and the bill must be passed in both Houses to make it a legislation.