Bengaluru:  Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut’s statement on Kannadigas broke out a controversy here on Tuesday April 20. Karnataka BJP points out that Raut’s statement saying that Kannadigas may find it difficult to do business in Mumbai, as “anti-Kannadiga” and “anti-national.”

Sanjay claimed that when an unrest situation arises with the Marathi-speaking people on the border, Shiv Sainiks strike back by destroying the transport buses belonging to Karnataka entering into the state.

” If a situation like this sustains, it would be difficult for Kannadigas in Mumbai to manage their trade and business,” Sanjay added.

He made this statement while encouraging Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra to set up an office in Belagavi, Karnataka.

In response to his statement, Karnataka BJP tweeted: “As India fights Corona, it is shocking to see Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut making anti-national remarks”.

Maharashtra claims certain areas, including Belagavi, Karwar and Nippani which are part of Karnataka. The majority of the population in these areas is Marathi- speaking.