Political parties in Maharashtra have adopted a wait and watch policy regarding the issue of a separate state of Vidarbha. The ruling Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) combine and opposition Shiv Sena and BJP are in no rush to launch a fresh agitation, but are waiting for the outcome of the ongoing agitation launched by all parties for a separate state of Telangana in adjoining Andhra Pradesh. These parties however, admitted they lacked adequate support — both from the common people as well as their own party members. Shiv Sena has been consistent on its stand that a separate state of Vidarbha should not be formed.
Congress has been arguing that Vidarbha remains backward despite a large number of power projects and abundant coal and other precious minerals. The old guards, especially former ministers NKP Salve and Vasant Sathe, lack major support within the party and, also, people at large.
Congress MP and former union minister Vilas Muttemwar told Business Standard, “The issue of a separate Vidarbha is now with the Congress high command. For the moment, it is not an issue before Congress in the state as we are seriously looking at the outcome of the Telegana agitation. The situation there is quite different as almost all political parties have hit the street to demand Telengana state. The Congress-led government at the Centre is watching the evolving situation carefully.” He said the state Congress party was in favour of a separate Vidarbha, but the decision should come from the party high command.
Muttemwar hastened to add there had not been unanimity among the political parties on the issue of separate Vidarbha, but time was the only answer.
Muttemwar’s ally, the NCP said it would support a separate Vidarbha provided the people wanted it.
On the other hand, the BJP is also watching the ongoing developments in Andhra Pradesh. “As of now, there is no movement in support of separate Vidarbha. BJP has been supporting statehood for Vidarbha. The party will decide its policy in this regard in due course of time,” informed Nana Patole, a BJP legislator from Gondiya district.
However, Shiv Sena stuck to its stand of a united Maharashtra. “Party chief Bal Thackeray has been quite consistent that Vidarbha should not be separated but should remain with Maharashtra,” said Rajendra Patne, Sena’s former legislator.
