Suspension of Maharashtra State Transport Buses to Karnataka Following Attack
The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step by suspending state transport bus services to Karnataka after an alarming incident involving an MSRTC bus. This decision was made by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on February 22, following the attack on a bus and its driver in the neighbouring state.
Details of the Incident
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus, which was travelling from Bengaluru to Mumbai, was attacked around 9:10 PM in Chitradurga. Pro-Kannada activists reportedly assaulted the bus driver, Bhaskar Jadhav, blackening his face and physically assaulting him. A police case has been registered in connection with this attack.
Response from Maharashtra Officials
Minister Sarnaik stated that bus services to Karnataka would remain suspended until the Karnataka government clarifies its stance on the situation. This incident follows another assault on a Karnataka state transport conductor in Belagavi, raising concerns over rising tensions between the two states.
Context of Rising Tensions
The attack on the MSRTC bus may have been a retaliatory action related to the earlier assault on the conductor, Mahadevappa Mallappa Hukkeri, who was attacked for not responding in Marathi. The situation highlights the ongoing border tensions between Maharashtra and Karnataka, particularly in regions with a mixed linguistic population.
Protests and Public Reaction
In response to these incidents, pro-Kannada activists staged protests, blocking roads and burning effigies, demonstrating the fiery emotions surrounding this issue. With a considerable Marathi-speaking population in Belagavi advocating for its merger with Maharashtra, the situation remains delicate and requires careful management.
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Stay updated on this developing story as we monitor the situation for any changes and implications for inter-state travel.
