Group to intensify demand that Maharashtra’s Vidarbha become a separate state, Gadkari resign

Mumbai city news: Members also called for the resignation of Union minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir

The Vidarbha Rajya Sangharsha Samiti will launch an aggressive movement to demand that Vidarbha — the eastern region of Maharashtra — be made a separate state. From August 9, the group plans to demand that Union minister Nitin Gadkari and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs resign for failing to fulfil their election promises regarding this issue.

Gadkari and many BJP members had said Vidarbha would only experience growth if it was a separate state. However, they have now said that they will work to develop this backward region, which should stay a part of Maharashtra. (HT File Photo)

At a meeting chaired by former deputy speaker of the Maharashtra state Assembly, Moreshwar Temurde, the samiti decided to stage demonstrations in front of Gadkari’s house. Former legislator Wamanrao Chatap, Shetkari Sanghatana leader Ram Neole, noted economist Dr Srinivas Khandewale and former director general of police Prabir Chakraborty attended the meeting.

Members also called for the resignation of Union minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir, saying he ignored their demands after coming to power in 2014. The BJP-Sena alliance won all the 10 Lok Sabha seats from the region, with the BJP winning six and the Shiv Sena, four.

During the state elections, the BJP won the most seats — 44 of 62 — in Vidarbha, by promising to make it a separate state. Gadkari and other BJP leaders had submitted a written undertaking of this promise, said the samiti.

Gadkari and many BJP members had said Vidarbha would only experience growth if it was a separate state. However, they have now said that they will work to develop this backward region, which should stay a part of Maharashtra.

Earlier, former advocate general of Maharashtra, Shrihari Aney, had asked the Centre to hold a referendum on the issue of a separate statehood for Vidarbha. He had said that if 51% voted in favour of a separate state, the Centre must accept their demands.

State BJP spokesperson Shweta Shalini said her party was in favour of smaller states, however, a separate Vidarbha was not now on its immediate agenda. Speaking to reporters at Buldhana, she said the BJP was focusing on development in Maharashtra and would not press for a separate Vidarbha.