Over 50 Maharashtra villages threaten to merge with Gujarat even as Karnataka border dispute rages

Amid Maharashtra's intensifying border dispute with Karnataka, a fresh territorial tussle may be brewing with Gujarat.

People of more than 50 villages in border areas in Surgana taluka have threatened to merge with Gujarat if their issues are not resolved. Subsequently, Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse assured "all-inclusive development" to people of the villages.

Bhuse, the guardian minister of Nashik district, told agitators at a meeting on 6 December 2022 that Maharashtra has a legacy of social justice and development and the state is known for it across the country.

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"A plan will be prepared with a preference for an all-inclusive development of tribal villages and 'padas (small settlements)' on the Gujarat border in Surgana taluka and a time-bound programme will be undertaken," the minister said.

Earlier, 11 villages in Akkalkot tehsil of Maharashtra's Solapur district had sought permission to merge with Karnataka if they are not provided basic facilities.

(With PTI inputs)