Mumbai: Shiv Sena today urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to step up offensive against the Karnataka government's decision to change Belgaum's name to Belagavi, to protect the interests of the Marathi-speaking people.

"Devendra Fadnavis has sworn to protect the Marathi speaking people. It is now his duty to safeguard the interest of Marathi 'manoos' wherever they reside, in or outside the state. This is why he (Fadnavis) should stand up and protest the decision taken by the (Karnataka) government," the Sena said in an edit in party mouthpiece Saamana.