Tensions between two Indian states embarrass Narendra Modi
Pro-Karnataka activists during a 2006 demonstration in Bangalore (Illustrative image).
© AIJAZ RAHI / AP
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Nothing seems to be able to calm the border tensions between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka in India.
Maharashtra this week claimed hundreds of towns and villages in Karnataka, infuriating its neighbour.
These tensions and border violence are a stain for the BJP of Narendra Modi, in power in these states.
The Minister of the Interior announced the dispatch of central police officers.
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With our correspondent in Bangalore,
Côme Bastin
Last week, hundreds of Maharashtra political activists were stopped by police as they attempted to enter Belgaum.
Located in Karnataka, this city of 500,000 inhabitants is claimed by Maharashtra, for linguistic and historical reasons.
Ditto for the military port of Karwar and no less than 800 other towns and villages in Karnataka.
A territorial claim adopted unanimously by the National Assembly of Maharashtra on Tuesday, December 27.
Karnataka's home minister responded curtly.
“
We will not cede an inch of territory.
The Supreme Court has already rendered its arbitration on this conflict.
The central government has called for these provocations to cease and peace to be restored and Maharashtra would do well to emulate it.
Police are deployed to provide security.
»
Disputed area between the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra (Illustrative image).
© Service infographie / RFI
No de-escalation
Both states are led by the BJP and have a total population of 200 million.
Their capitals, Bombay and Bangalore, are giants of the country's economy.
As the elections approach in Karnataka, Narendra Modi would have done well without this war between members of his party, which is making headlines.
But neither the Supreme Court, nor the power in New Delhi, manage to stop the escalation.
Latest provocation to date, launched by a minister from Karnataka: to bring Bombay under the authority of the central government.
Adding fuel to the fire which did not miss its target on the Maharashtra side.
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Narendra Damodardas Modi