'Belagavi is ours, do not take Kannadigas' niceness for granted': Kranti actor Darshan Thoogudeepa

Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has voiced his support to the residents of Belagavi/Belgaum in light of the ongoing civil unrest. Popularly known as the Challenging Star by his many million fans, Darshan took to social media on Wednesday, December 7 to assert his stance and state that he wholeheartedly stands by the people of Karnataka as he shared a picture of himself posing next to the state flag.

"Belagavi is ours. Be it proudly hoisting the flag or welcoming those who value the principles and ethos of this land with open arms, Kannadigas are known to display love and friendship. But, if the same is treated as their weaknesses, Kannadigas will be compelled to retort fiercely," wrote Darshan in his social media post.

The Kranti actor's remarks come on the back of the ongoing civil and political unrest in Belagavi and other contended areas in the Karnataka - Maharashtra region. Both states have been entangled in disputes over the regional status of the Belagavi district and many other Marathi-speaking villages/hamlets that currently belong to Karnataka. A few days ago, on December 1, the disputes were rekindled when a student in Belagavi was allegedly beaten up for waving the Karnataka flag during college festivities. 

Soon, protests from pro-Kannada groups would ensue and a visit from two Maharashtrian cabinet ministers was proposed to meet with pro-Marathi groups. Things would only further spiral out of control when state transport buses plying from Kolhapur were stopped from entering the disputed border areas in Karnataka. CM Basavaraj Bommai and his Maharashtrian counterpart Eknath Shinde are said to be currently in talks to diffuse the situation.

Darshan, on the other hand, is gearing up for the release of his mega venture Kranti on January 26. In the film, the actor takes on the role of a social crusader siding with the diminishing cause of government-based educational institutions in Karnataka. Darshan collaborates with his Yajamana crew of director V. Harikrishna and producers Shylaja Nag and B. Suresha for the second time - Rachita Ram stars as the film's female lead.