Joy and resentment as Belgaum becomes Belgavi

TEAM HERALD

BELGAUM: Belgaum is now history. Well, at least as far as the name of the city is concerned, after the Karnataka government switched over to its new name ‘Belgavi’ from Saturday.

While the statehood day is celebrated in Karnataka as ‘Rajyotsava Day’ on November 1 every year, Kannadigas from Belgaum had a double reason to celebrate as Belgaum was officially renamed as Belgavi. 

The Karnataka government has issued a notification in this regard while changing the name of Belgaum along with 11 other cities in Karnataka. 

The names of other cities changed are Bangalore (Bengaluru), Mangalore (Mangaluru), Bellary (Ballary), Bijapur (Vijaypura/Vijapura), Chikamagalur (Chikkamagalurru), Gulbarga (Kalaburagi), Mysore (Mysuru), Hospet (Hosapete), Shimoga (Shivamogga), Hubli (Hubballi) and Tumkur (Tumakuru).

While there was celebration on one side, Marathi-speaking people who have expressed their resentment to the change of name of Belgaum, under the banner of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti had organized a protest rally in the city.

Chaos prevailed in the city due to pro and anti procession rallies that were held by Kannada and Marathi groups. Kanndigas displaying the symbolic red and yellow flag were rejoicing on the occasion with processions arranged in almost all the streets of Belgaum city where the statue of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari was taken around in the procession. 

At a function that was organized at the Rani Chenamma circle here regarding change of name of Belgaum, District in Charge minister Satish Jarkiholi made the declaration amidst applause from a large number of Kannadigas who had assembled at the venue.

On the other hand, MES leaders along with MLA Sambhaji Patil, Deepak Dalvi, and former MLA Mahohar Kinekar led a protest rally condemning the government’s decision of changing Belgaum to Belagavi. Large number of Marathi speaking people wearing black attire and displaying black flags took part in the protest rally.