Vidarbha rocks Assembly again as Sena corners CM

The issue of a separate statehood for Vidarbha continued to rock the Legislative Assembly for the third day in a row, with parties led by Shiv Sena cornering the government and pushing it to commit to retaining a united state

The issue of a separate statehood for Vidarbha continued to rock the Legislative Assembly for the third day in a row, with parties led by Shiv Sena cornering the government and pushing it to commit to retaining a united state.

On Monday, the protests had pushed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to say that the state goverment had not put in any proposal to the Centre to separate Vidarbha from the state. (HT File Photo)

On Monday, the protests had pushed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to say that the state goverment had not put in any proposal to the Centre to separate Vidarbha from the state. However, all parties, including the Sena, continued to protest and expressed dissatisfaction with Fadnavis’ stance.

Sunil Prabhu, Sena MLA, said, “The CM’s statement hasn’t satisfied us because he hasn’t committed clearly to keeping the state united. He needs to make a fresh statement. He also needs to suspend all MLAs who have expressed their support for statehood for Vidarbha because we have all taken oaths for a united Maharashtra.”

Fadnavis dismissed the Sena’s demand and said it would be illegal to do so. The CM once again reiterated that there was no proposal before the government’s consideration. “Remember, I am the chief minister of a united Maharashtra. This issue is not within our purview but the Centre’s prerogative. We are not going to propose anything of this sort,” Fadnavis said.

While the Sena backed down, opposition parties continued protesting, leading to an adjournment.