Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has opposed the formation of a separate state of Vidarbha. The chief minister refused to accept the theory that small states will expedite development. On the contrary, he said development could be achieved through natural resources of the states and increase in revenue sources.
Chavan’s statement during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature is important, especially when the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raked up the issue once again.
BJP sharpened its attack against the state government saying that step-motherly treatment has been meted out to Vidarbha and called for a separate Vidarbha state along the lines of Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand.
As expected, BJP was isolated on this issue as its electoral ally, Shiv Sena, made a strong plea for a united Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also voiced its opposition but emphasised the need for the removal of imbalances through effective implementation of various development projects in the region.
Chavan made it clear that his government had already taken a decision to concentrate on expediting development in backward regions, including Vidarbha. “The issue will be addressed through proper planning and monitoring of implementation of various development projects in Vidarbha in particular. Further, the government will soon put in place a mechanism to monitor the implementation of a special financial package announced last year for Vidarbha’s development,” said Chavan.
He said the government would also give priority to monitoring of various projects undertaken under the Prime Minister’s package and the state government’s package to address farmers’ suicides in the five districts of Vidarbha.
A Congress minister, requesting anonymity, told Business Standard: “The chief minister, due to his innings in Delhi politics, will be able to get additional funds from the Centre. Besides, he will pay attention to removing administrative and procedural hassles that delay project implementation. More importantly, isolation of BJP on this issue is good news as other parties will not oppose the various development projects just for the sake of opposition.”