Vijay Shamrao Devane is an Indian activist on belagawi issue, and politician from Kolhapur district in Maharashtra state, affiliated with the Shiv Sena.[1] He has been an active figure in regional politics and held significant positions, including serving as the Kolhapur district president of Shiv Sena.
Political career
editVijay Devane was removed from his position as the Shiv Sena district chief of Kolhapur, and Sunil Shintre was appointed in his place. This change occurred following complaints from local party members about Devane's leadership style, particularly from officials in the Ajara, Gadhinglaj, and Chandgad regions.[2][3]
Vijay Devane has a longstanding association with the Shiv Sena, actively contesting elections under the banner of Shiv Sena where he played a prominent role in local-level politics in Kolhapur. Over the years, Devane has participated in various protests and movements championing regional issues, often taking a stand on matters relevant to his constituency and the broader region of Kolhapur.[4]
Legal history
editDevane's political career has been marked by multiple criminal cases filed against him. Charges include violations such as criminal trespass, intimidation, and assault on public servants. Despite these accusations, Devane has not been convicted of any crimes, as per the affidavits submitted during election filings.[5]
Belagavi issue
editVijay Devane played a significant role in the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, particularly regarding the Belagavi (Belgaum) issue. He led a group of activists who attempted to enter Belagavi to mark the occasion of Karnataka's formation day, which the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) observes as a "black day." This event highlights their protest against the inclusion of Marathi-speaking areas, such as Belagavi, in Karnataka during the 1957 state reorganization.[6]
The police prevented Devane and about 30 other Shiv Sena activists from crossing the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, fearing that their presence could incite tensions between pro-Maharashtra and pro-Karnataka factions. The MES, with which Devane is closely aligned, has long advocated for the integration of these Marathi-speaking regions into Maharashtra, a demand that has seen heightened political friction in recent years. The local administration in Belagavi had earlier banned the entry of several Maharashtra ministers and officials to maintain law and order in the area, due to fears of potential clashes.[7][8][9]
References
edit- ^ "Vijay Shamrao Devane(SHS):Constituency- KOLHAPUR SOUTH(KOLHAPUR) - Affidavit Information of Candidate". myneta.info. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "विजय देवणेंना हटवले, सुनील शिंत्रे शिवसेनेचे नवे जिल्हाप्रमुख". Lokmat (in Marathi). 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ Dhumal, Sunil Balasaheb (2023-09-06). "आंदोलन करून तडजोडी करायच्या; कोल्हापूर ठाकरे गटात फिरवली भाकरी, नेमकं काय झालं ?". Politics News on Sarkarnama (in Marathi). Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Devane appears confident of getting Shiv Sena ticket again". The Times of India. 2014-02-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Vijay Shamrao Devane(SHS):Constituency- KOLHAPUR SOUTH(KOLHAPUR) - Affidavit Information of Candidate". myneta.info. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "मराठी एकीकरण समिति (महाराष्ट्र राज्य) – Marathi Ekikaran Samiti (Maharashtra Rajya) – मराठी भाषा, अस्मिता, संस्कृति, रोजगार, शाळा, शिक्षण यांच्यासाठी लढणारी एकमेव बिगर राजकीय लोकचळवळ". Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Devane, others sneak into K'taka, hoist saffron flag". The Times of India. 2021-03-09. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Police stop Shiv Sena activists from entering Belagavi at Maharashtra border". The Telegraph.
- ^ "Belagavi police stop Shiv Sena leaders at Karnataka border". The Hindu. 2023-11-01. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-10-21.