The dispute over Belgaum is a running sore in the body politic. Any political decision will have to favour one party or the other. It will only create fresh problems of law and order in Maharashtra and Karnataka. A second States Reorganisation Commission could be one solution to take care of all such disputes and the demand for the creation of new states. If it is considered not desirable, the other solution is a referendum in the disputed areas of Belgaum. There are many villages in Maharashtra in districts like Sholapur that have a high concentration of Kannada-speaking people. As a quid pro quo to Karnataka, the referendum may be held there as well. It will take the people’s verdict, though of the majority of the residents, into account.
A Seshan, on email
