Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was 'a Kannadiga', claims Govind Karjol

Thackeray had been raising the issue of merger of Belagavi, Karwar and Nippani with Maharashtra

Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol on Sunday made a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray for raking up the border issue to further his political interests.

Speaking to reporters here, Karjol said, “He (Uddhav) should read history before making comments... Chhatrapati Shivaji’s ancestors were from Soraturu in Gadag district. Shivaji is the fourth generation descendant of Belliyappa, who migrated to Maharashtra following successive droughts in Gadag.”

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“The Uddhav-led coalition government in Maharashtra is on a shaky wicket. He is trying to divert the attention of the people from the infighting within the coalition,” Karjol charged.

The Kannadigas and the Marathi-speaking people in the state are living like brothers. Uddhav Thackeray should stop sowing seeds of disharmony between the two communities by raking up the border row that has been settled decades back, the deputy chief minister said.

Reacting to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s statement on Mahadayi river water-sharing issue, Karjol said, “We will not listen to anyone when it comes land, water and culture of the state. Our government is committed to safeguard the state’s interests.”