Thane:Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has strongly condemned the recent attack on State Transport (ST) drivers and conductors in Karnataka, calling for immediate action to ensure their safety. He emphasized that such incidents are unacceptable and warned that Maharashtra will not remain silent if such attacks continue.
Sarnaik stated that he would urge Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and both Deputy Chief Ministers to discuss the issue with the Karnataka government. He reiterated that the linguistic dispute along the Maharashtra-Karnataka border is longstanding, but violence against transport staff cannot be tolerated. The minister condemned the attack, where miscreants assaulted an ST driver and conductor and damaged their vehicle while interstate bus services were operational.
Highlighting the Shiv Sena’s historical stance on the border dispute, Sarnaik recalled the party’s demand to include Belgaum, Karwar, and Nipani in Maharashtra. He expressed pride in the protests led by Shiv Sainiks for this cause, noting that many had gone to jail, including Eknath Shinde, who was imprisoned for two months.