Bengaluru, Dec 6: North Karnataka Action Committee state unit general secretary Nagesh Golashetty said that the Samiti would stage a protest by hoisting separate state flag during the Winter Session to be held in Belagavi from December 10.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, he said that hundreds of swamijis have warned the government on July 31 that they would hoist the separate flag for separate state and take charge of the state if the state government failed to fulfill their demand within stipulated time. There was a discrimination in all awards.

The state government has more concern toward Mekedatu project, but Mahadayi project was neglected. The government has spent crores of rupees for Dasara celebration, but the leaders from the south have been opposing to spend for Hampi Utsav. Unfortunately, the leaders from North Karnataka have failed to raise voice against this discrimination and they were cowards, he said.

For the development of 13 districts, North Karnataka should be separated. As the people from this region were deprived of power, the region was lagging behind in development. When hundreds of swamijis staged protest in front of the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, the state government has promised of shifting some offices and preparing a plan for the development within 15 days. But it has not taken any action so far. Instead, it has continued its discriminatory attitude, he alleged.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Mumbai (PTI): Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday termed Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi's visit to Mumbai as a golden moment for the city and the country.

Tendulkar compared the 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph at the same ground with the visit of Messi, along with his Inter Miami team-mates Luis Saurez and Rodrigo de Paul.

"I have spent some incredible moments here. As we call it, Mumbai is a city of dreams. And a number of dreams have seen the finish line here on this very venue. And without your support, we would never have seen those golden moments on this ground in 2011," Tendulkar said referring to India's ODI World Cup triumph in which he played a major role.

"And today, having all three of them here is indeed a golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India. The way you have received all three greats of the game has truly been remarkable."

ALSO READ: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay hits out at Rahul Gandhi for 'prioritising' Messi event in Hyderabad

Talking about Messi, he said, "When it comes to Leo, if I have to speak about his game, it wouldn't be the right platform. And you know, what does one talk about him? He has achieved everything. We really admire his dedication, determination, commitment.

"And above all, his humility, the person that he is. And on behalf of Mumbaikars and Indians, I would like to wish him and his family the very best of health and happiness to all of you. Thank you once again for being here and encouraging youngsters."

Tendulkar also hoped that "India also reaches the height that we all aspire to (in football)."

Tendulkar presented a No.10 jersey signed by him to Messi. The Argentine World Cup-winning captain reciprocated with a football.

Messi arrived in Mumbai around noon under "World Cup level" security measures, marking the second day of his four-city 'GOAT India Tour 2025'.

He will wind up his visit on Monday in New Delhi where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Messi had arrived in India in the wee hours of Saturday, but the opening leg of the tour in Kolkata quickly descended into chaos later in the day due to poor crowd management and security lapses.

However, his evening programme in the Hyderabad leg stood in stark contrast to the mayhem in Kolkata, proceeding smoothly and concluding on a positive note.