Kannada organisations force the removal of the Marathi text signboard named ‘Punyashlok Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj Flyover’ in Belagavi !

The signboard that was earlier installed on the flyover on old Dharwad road

Belagavi (Karnataka) – After the Municipal Corporation passed a resolution, a signboard naming the flyover on old Dharwad road as ‘Punyashlok Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj Flyover’ was installed in three languages, including Marathi. However, certain Kannada organisations raised objections on the grounds that the name was written in Marathi, following which the signboard was removed.

Belagavi: Kannada organizations forced removal of a board named after Punyashlok Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj – objecting only because it’s in Marathi.

⚠️ The government must take action against Kannada organizations that oppose Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s name simply because… pic.twitter.com/Q13njjXDE7

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 12, 2026

The opposition to the revered name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has triggered widespread resentment among Shivaji Maharaj’s admirers. “We will gather complete information regarding this matter and take appropriate action,” Belagavi Mayor Mangesh Pawar told the media. In fact, the resolution to name the flyover had already been formally approved by the Belagavi Municipal Corporation. (If the Municipal Corporation has passed an official resolution, then removing such a signboard is a clear violation of rules. Therefore, the administration is expected not to succumb to any pressure, to reinstall the signboard, and to take action against those responsible. – Editor)

On behalf of the Municipal Corporation, the signboard was installed near the flyover in Marathi, Kannada, and English. However, due to protests and disturbances created near the signboard by some Kannada organisations, it has currently been removed.

Editorial perspective

The government must take action against Kannada organisations that are opposing the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj merely because it is written in Marathi !