I am an official linguist of both Kannada and Marathi. I have done extensive research on both.
I can categorically say that both Kannada and Marathi are same languages. There are only a few spelling mistakes in Kannada and it was corrected in Marathi.
Raking up this issue for political advantage is common practice among these goons. When we were studying in this beautiful city in 80's, a present cabinet minister from Maharashtra was just a small time local politican of some other party. He created enough chaos in this peaceful town & became Home minister for more than 10 years. He did nothing but to fill his own coffers. Now it is the turn of other fledglings who want to make it a career to come up in their political career. Shame on such low mentality. let people live in peace. Make your political career in kashmir if you have the guts.
Dividing states based on linguistic aspects was a mistake.. It did not actually created any benefit except enmity between states and the Indian union looks very fragile during the selfish interests of each state doused by linguistic aspirations..