Belagavi: The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) not only lost in several pro-Marathi constituencies in the recent panchayat elections but also did miserably in Yellur taluk panchayat, which it calls a ‘Marathi heartland’ on the border between the two states .
Even the film “Marathi Tigers” (that claims Karnataka is ill treating the Marathis), which was screened a week ahead of the elections, did not help it win in the constituencies with a large Marathi population.
“Marathi Tigers” was shown in a make-shift theatre in Shinoli in Maharashtra, 15 kms from the Karnataka border, ahead of the panchayat polls as theatre owners in Belagavi refused to show it.
A large number of people from Marathi-dominated areas of Belagavi were taken in vehicles to see the film in the neighbouring town. But none of this seems to have helped the MES in the recent polls to the local bodies here.
“Marathi Tigers” accused the Karnataka government and its leaders of atrocities to attract Marathi voters. But it is impossible to take the people for a ride by such political gimmicks and the loss of Yellur taluk panchayat is testimony to this,” says Mr Arun Patil, a local leader.
The MES which once had three or four legislators from Belagavi region now has only one in Belagavi South. Over the past few years, its popularity has faded drastically and it has suffered huge losses in elections to local bodies on the border.
