Chidambaram says Belgaum cannot be UT

Mr.Chidambaram virtually snapped at the Maharashtra delegation led by state Chief Minister Ashok Chavan demanding Union Territory (UT) status for Belgaum.

The high-power delegation with members from the ruling Congress, NCP, RPI and the BJP was “taken to task” by the Home minister on Tuesday for alleging “harassment and oppression” of Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka.

Chidambaram put the delegation on the back foot by further reminding them that Belgaum had even hosted two state Assembly sessions. The delegation’s demand lost much steam when Chidambaram recalled that the foundation stone for “a new Vidhan Soudha” had already been laid in Belgaum. Belgaum is part of the state, how can it be made Union Territory, the Home minister asked.

Source: Deccan Herald