Bengaluru/Mumbai, February 26, 2025 – Tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra have flared up once again, reigniting a decades-old feud rooted in linguistic pride and territorial claims. What began as a simmering dispute has escalated into violent confrontations, suspension of interstate bus services, and a war of words between political leaders and activists. The latest trigger—a brutal assault on a bus conductor in Belagavi followed by retaliatory vandalism—has brought the Karnataka-Maharashtra rivalry into sharp focus, exposing fault lines that threaten regional harmony.
The Flashpoint: Language Sparks Violence
The current standoff traces back to an incident on February 22, 2025, in Belagavi, a border district in Karnataka long contested by Maharashtra. A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus conductor was allegedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi, the dominant language in Maharashtra. The attack, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, incited outrage in Maharashtra. In retaliation, pro-Kannada activists in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district defaced Maharashtra-registered buses, smearing them with paint and slogans asserting Kannada supremacy. Similar acts of vandalism were reported in Pune, Maharashtra, targeting Karnataka vehicles.
By February 24, the situation had spiraled out of control, prompting both states to suspend interstate bus services. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and MSRTC cited safety concerns for drivers and passengers, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. "We cannot risk the lives of our staff," an MSRTC official told India Today. Maharashtra is now reportedly considering deploying police escorts on Karnataka-bound buses to prevent further attacks, signaling the gravity of the crisis.
A Dispute Decades in the Making
The Karnataka-Maharashtra conflict is not new. It dates back to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which redrew India’s state boundaries along linguistic lines. Belagavi, then part of the Bombay Presidency, was incorporated into the Mysore state (now Karnataka) despite its significant Marathi-speaking population. Maharashtra has since claimed that Belagavi, along with Karwar and Nipani—areas with Marathi-speaking majorities—rightfully belong to it. Karnataka, however, staunchly defends its borders, arguing that the 1956 settlement is final.
The Mahajan Commission, set up in 1966 to resolve the dispute, recommended retaining Belagavi in Karnataka, a decision Maharashtra has never fully accepted. The matter has been pending before the Supreme Court since 2004, with little progress. Political leaders on both sides have periodically stoked the issue for electoral gain, but the recent violence marks a dangerous escalation.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, speaking in Delhi on February 23, highlighted the historical context: "This border dispute has been ongoing since Maharashtra’s formation in 1960. In 2000, Vilasrao Deshmukh took it up, but no resolution has been reached." Karnataka’s Chief Minister, in a 2022 statement that resurfaced amid the current row, had declared, "Not an inch of Karnataka will be ceded to Maharashtra. Our government is fully committed to protecting every bit of land."
Who’s Saying What?
The clash has unleashed a barrage of accusations. Maharashtra leaders have condemned the assault in Belagavi as an attack on Marathi identity. A senior BJP leader from Maharashtra told The Indian Express, "Karnataka’s failure to protect our people shows their disregard for linguistic diversity." Some have linked the incident to broader political tensions, with Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance accusing Karnataka’s Congress government of negligence.
In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for calm while defending the state’s stance. "We will not tolerate lawlessness, but Karnataka’s borders are non-negotiable," he said on February 25, addressing the press in Bengaluru. Pro-Kannada groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike have justified their retaliation, claiming that Maharashtra’s aggression—both linguistic and territorial—provoked the unrest. "If they disrespect Kannada, we will respond," a Vedike spokesperson declared.
The Union Home Ministry has remained tight-lipped, though sources suggest Home Minister Amit Shah may intervene, as he did in 2022 when he urged both states to form a joint ministerial team to address boundary issues. That effort, however, yielded no lasting solution.
Beyond Language: Economic and Social Stakes
The Karnataka-Maharashtra rivalry extends beyond language and borders. Both states are economic powerhouses—Maharashtra with Mumbai’s financial clout and Karnataka with Bengaluru’s tech dominance. Interstate trade, tourism, and labor migration tie their fortunes together, making disruptions like the bus suspension economically costly. Daily wage workers, students, and small traders have borne the brunt, with many voicing frustration on social media.
Posts on X reflect the public’s exasperation. One user lamented, "Neighboring states clashing over language—an unfortunate sight," while another warned, "This is more than a language war; it’s a failure of leadership on both sides." The sentiment underscores a broader concern: unchecked regionalism could unravel India’s federal fabric.
The Road Ahead
As of February 26, 2025, the situation remains tense. Police have been deployed along the border, and both states have registered cases against unidentified assailants. Maharashtra has demanded action against the Belagavi attackers, while Karnataka has vowed to crack down on vandals within its borders. The Supreme Court case looms large, but few expect a swift verdict.
Analysts argue that dialogue, not confrontation, is the only way forward. "This is a political football that needs to be deflated," says political commentator Sandeep Shastri. "The Centre must step in decisively, or we’ll see more flare-ups." For now, the Karnataka-Maharashtra tug of war serves as a stark reminder of how language and identity, when weaponized, can fracture even the strongest of bonds.