Opposition Congress and NCP today termed as "unnecessary" and "uncalled for" the comments of Maharashtra Advocate General Sreehari Aney who has demanded carving out of Vidarbha state while calling for a referendum on the issue.
Congress spokesman Ratnakar Mahajan said a person holding a Constitutional post with government cannot air personal views on bifurcation of State.
"Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should take cognisance of these remarks and relieve Aney from his post honourably," Mahajan said.
The Congress leader termed as "morally and Constitutionally wrong" the remarks made by Aney on the referendum.
"Vidarbha statehood is an old demand. Aney's grandfather Bapuji Aney was a strong votary of Vidarbha state. But, Shreehari Aney is an Advocate General of Maharashtra and holds a Constitutional post. He cannot be airing his personal views in public when he is holding the post," Mahajan said, adding that there is no Constitutional provision for holding a referendum.
"First there has to be a constitutional amendment," he said.
Aney had said last week that even if 51 per cent people vote in favour of statehood, then the Centre should create a separate Vidarbha state.
"I know for sure that more than 80 per cent people in the region will vote in favour of it and that is why the Central government does not have the courage to go in for a referendum," he said.
State NCP president Sunil Tatkare demanded an explanation from Fadnavis on Aney's remarks.
"When holding a Constitutional post, one cannot have personal views. The remarks were unnecessary and uncalled for," he said.
