u/Evening_Risk7127

I’m just curious to know if the Belgaum border issue still resonates with mainland Maharashtrians. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty sure that a majority of Marathi speaking Maharashtrians must be sympathetic to the cause. But beyond cursory discussions, do common Marathi people really care? The Marathi folks in Belgaum have struggled for over 50 years for a cause that probably does not even elicit passion and support from today’s Maharashtra. It goes without saying that politicians would like this issue to be simmering so that it can be milked at the appropriate time. But does it even matter to the regular folks. Karnataka has systematically and smartly completely dominated the trajectory of Belgaum since the past 20 odd years. Name change, mandatory 60 percent Kannada nameplates, officials speak only and only in Kannada, super grand celebration of Karnataka day, etc. To be honest, I don’t think it’s wrong and any smart state govt would do this. Their politicians unite very strongly when it comes to the Belgaum issue. Apart from occasional statements, no tangible support has come from the mainland politicians and people. Would it not be logical for the border Belgaumites to see the writing on the wall and simply give up the cause. Heck, even this sub doesn’t list Belgaum in the flair. 😬 Instead, they could petition the state govt of Karnataka to give Marathi language some real place in the city. Name plates, signboards, Official documents etc. Unless they truly soften their approach and give up the Maharashtra merger demand, the Karnataka state govt would never concede. Your thoughts please.