Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's comments on Tuesday marking the occasion of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's death anniversary have sparked fresh war of words with political leaders of Karnataka state.
Pawar had said,"Late Balasaheb had struggled his entire life for rights of common man. He always dreamt about the overall development of Maharashtra & make a united Maharashtra including Belgaum, Karwar and Nipani. So let us decide to fulfill this dream."
The two states have been at loggerheads for decades over areas along their border in districts like Belagavi, Karwar, and Nipani.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was quick to criticise Mr Pawar's remarks.
"Mahajan Commission Report is final report. Marathi speaking people are just like Kannadigas, they too belong to us. Maratha Development Authority formed for their development. Statement is just to trigger unwanted controversy. I urge him not to make such statements," Mr Yediyurappa told reporters today ahead of a cabinet meeting.
By afternoon today, Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, too seemed to have joined in with a series of tweets in both Kannada and English, mostly targeting the Chief Minister over the state's Marathi-speaking population.
He said,"I strongly condemn any decision which is only intended to reap political benefits. There is dispute between Kannadigas and Marathis for long time now and with the announcement of Marathi development authority, @CMofKarnataka is instigating Kannadigas and disrupting peace."