Vatal Nagaraj slams Rishab Shetty over Marathi issue in Belagavi

Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has expressed his anger at actor Rishab Shetty, accusing him of sending the wrong message to Kannadigas amid tensions in Belagavi. Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with various Kannada organizations, Nagaraj announced a statewide Karnataka bandh on March 22 to protest Marathi dominance and alleged oppression in Belagavi.

Also read: Pro-Kannada groups to protest ‘ill-treatment’ to Kannadigas; to hold bandh on March 22

Addressing the issue, Nagaraj criticized the recent violent incidents, particularly an attack on a Karnataka transport bus conductor. "Is Belagavi in Karnataka or Maharashtra?" he questioned, blaming politicians for prioritizing Marathi votes over Kannada interests. He claimed that despite the significant Kannada-speaking population in Solapur, no statues of Kannada icons like Sangolli Rayanna or Rani Chennamma exist, while a statue of Sambhaji Patil was installed without government permission.

The activist also took a swipe at Rishab Shetty, suggesting that the Kantara actor's involvement in a new film about Shivaji Maharaj is sending a "wrong message" to Kannadigas. "At a time when our land and language are under threat, such actions are deeply disappointing," he stated.

The rising tensions between Kannada and Marathi groups in Belagavi have led to growing demands for government intervention, with pro-Kannada organizations calling for stronger measures to protect Karnataka’s cultural identity.