Mysore: “Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray is politicizing the Belgaum issue by stating that Karnataka occupies parts of Maharashtra and the issue would be revived,  if they came to power in the State”, accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Addressing the press on his arrival at Mandakalli airport, before attending functions in the city on Sunday September 14, Siddaramaiah declared that Belgaum is an integral part of Karnataka and the Mahajan Commission Report on the issue is final.

Referring to former Minister Umesh Katti’s demand for a separate state of North Karnataka, he said he would not give much importance to the former’s statement. Clarifying that the government is not in favour of making it the second capital, the CM added that there is no question of dividing the state.

Siddaramaiah said that being a former Minister and elected representative, Umesh Katti should refrain from making such irresponsible statements.

Ministers V. Sreenivasa Prasad, H.S. Mahadevappa and H.K. Patil, Gram Panchayats Re-Organisation Committee President Manjaiah Mutt and others were present.