Vidarbha movement leader Bhau Jambhuwantrao Dhote today urged Congress President Sonia Gandhi to lend support to people's long-pending demand of statehood to the region.
Sonia Gandhi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi would addressing a public rally in Nagpur tomorrow to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution.
The demand for statehood to Vidarbha was first made in 1888, just three years after the formation of Indian National Congress, the former MP said, adding that even Ambedkar had demanded for the formation of four smaller states by bifurcating Maharashtra.
"Those who praise Dr Ambedkar today should respect him by granting statehood to Vidarbha," Dhote said.
"I personally look forward for the Congress president to take note of the ever growing demand for separate Vidarbha and (they) make a public announcement at the Nagpur rally," Dhote said.
While applauding the decision of former Maharashtra Attorney General Shrihari Aney to resign from his post, Dhote said that Aney is the pride of Yavatmal whose father was one of the torch bearers of the Vidarbha movement.
He further said that every right thinking person of Vidarbha should join the movement, which is now led by Aney.
