Maharashtra BJP to convince Shiv Sena on separate Vidarbha

The state unit of the BJP has said that it will launch a separate Vidarbha agitation in phases and will try to convince saffron alliance partner Shiv Sena to reconsider its stand on the issue.

The state unit of the BJP has said that it will launch a separate Vidarbha agitation in phases and will try to convince saffron alliance partner Shiv Sena to reconsider its stand on the issue.

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"Shiv Sena is not understanding the problems of Vidarbha region. Bal Thackeray had assured in 1998 at a rally in Ramtek that if the region is not developed, he himself would take lead in creation of a separate Vidarbha," Opposition Leader in State Legislative Council, Pandurang Phundkar told reporters in Nagpur on Saturday.

BJP had already declared its policy on separate statehood for Vidarbha in 1994 and is committed to it, he said, adding the party will fully participate in separate Vidarbha agitation with the newly formed all party committee, Vidarbha Rajya Sangram Samiti which has chalked out the agitation plan.

As part of preparations, the party will hold a convention and awareness campaign for its workers from February 15 to 20 either in Nagpur or in Amravati, Phundkar said.

Awareness campaign will be launched right up to Panchayat Samiti level, he said, adding a signature drive will also be taken up for collecting 50,00,000 consents for carving out Vidarbha.