Won’t support statehood for Vidarbha, Sena warns Maharashtra CM

An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece, Saamana, on Friday, which was also Maharashtra Foundation Day, criticised chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for his stance on the issue.

Reiterating its stand, the Shiv Sena vowed to keep Maharashtra united, saying it will never support the demand for separate Vidarbha.

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An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece, Saamana, on Friday, which was also Maharashtra Foundation Day, criticised chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for his stance on the issue.

“Fadnavis is from Vidarbha and he supports formation of smaller states. Although he says that till he is the CM, Maharashtra will remain united, there are allegations of him being in favour of separate Vidarbha. But no matter where the CM is from… we will ensure that Maharashtra is not broken and stays united,” the editorial said.

The views expressed in the editorial are seen as those of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The editorial said Fadnavis should use his clout and change the face of Maharashtra by driving the agenda of development, rather than splitting it.

“Shiv Sena’s future is connected to Maharashtra and those who look at the state with bad intentions will always have an unfortunate end,” it further said.

The editorial also criticised people who questioned the role of the Marathi manoos in building Mumbai. “These people should first study the city’s history and the contributions made by Bhau Daji Lad, Nana Shankarshet and Ajinkya,” it said.