From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Nov 3: Karnataka will take all possible steps to put forth a strong case against Maharashtra’s claims for the inclusion of the border district of Belagavi in the Supreme Court.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday chaired a meeting with legal experts on Maharashtra’s claim on Belgaum on Monday. The meeting decided to present a strong case before the Supreme Court to challenge the neighbouring state’s claim on the district.

"The State Government has taken all steps to protect the interests of the State. The state has all records to show that Belgaum, which has been renamed as Belagavi from November 1, is an integral part of Karnataka", Siddaramaiah said after the meeting.

The State Government would inform the Supreme Court of its stance on the issue of Belgaum after discussing it with the State’s counsel in the Apex Court, Fali Nariman, the Chief Minister said.

Justice V S Malimath, Justice M Rama Jois, Justice S R Nayak, Justice Ramakrishna, Advocate General Ravivarma Kumar, former AG Uday Holla, Law and Parliamentary Minister T B Jayachandra, Ministers H K Patil and Satish Jarkiholi attended the meeting.

The Chief Minister indicated that the forthcoming Cabinet meeting on November 12 would finalise the date for the winter session of the State legislature to be held in Belgaum in December.