The demand for a separate Vidarbha state has gained fresh momentum following the repeated curtailment of the Maharashtra legislature's winter session in Nagpur. Activists argue that this trend underscores the failure of the current administrative setup and solidifies the case for creating a new state to guarantee sustained and accountable governance for the region.
A Symbolic Session Denies Voice to Regional Issues
Mukesh Masurkar, a prominent Vidarbha activist, highlighted that the winter session, which was originally mandated to run for six weeks under the historic Nagpur Pact, was abruptly shortened. This move, he said, robbed the region of a crucial platform to address its long-standing grievances. The people of Vidarbha anticipated discussions on critical issues like farmers' suicides, rampant unemployment, stalled irrigation projects, the closure of zilla parishad schools, and the growing discontent over prepaid power meters. Unfortunately, the truncated proceedings provided no space for these concerns, rendering the session largely ineffective for the citizens.
Masurkar pointed to the 'Bomba-Bomba andolan' protest held on December 15 as a direct manifestation of the deep-seated frustration and anger brewing in a region that feels consistently sidelined. Activists from the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) and other statehood groups echoed this sentiment, stating that the Nagpur session has been reduced to a mere symbolic exercise over time, offering only piecemeal assurances instead of concrete, decisive action.
The Core Argument: Statehood for Focused Development
Emphasizing that Vidarbha requires more than temporary relief measures, Mukesh Masurkar stated, "What the region needs is statehood." He argued that with its own legislature and government, governance would become accessible and responsive, eliminating the perpetual need for protests. Key areas such as agricultural distress, employment generation, and holistic development would finally receive the undivided attention they deserve. The demand, he stressed, is rooted not just in financial considerations but also in the region's distinct cultural identity, social unity, and the fundamental right to self-govern with dignity.
Nitin Ronghe, convener of Maha Vidarbha Janjagaran, attributed the drastically shortened session to the state government's apathy towards Vidarbha. He contended that a full-length, properly conducted session in Nagpur would have ensured that key decisions concerning the region were taken locally, with ministers present and held accountable. "Instead, power remains concentrated elsewhere, forcing Vidarbha to wait endlessly," Ronghe lamented. He added that despite being an integral part of Maharashtra and possessing immense potential in terms of manpower and natural resources, Vidarbha's growth has been hamstrung by a persistent lack of political will, leading to decades of neglect.
Infrastructure Ready, Only Political Will Missing
Adding a practical dimension to the argument, activist Dinesh Naidu asserted that Vidarbha has been fully prepared for statehood for years and does not require building new infrastructure from scratch. "We don't need new government quarters or facilities. Vidarbha has been ready from day one," Naidu said, noting that an MLA hostel, a Chief Minister's residence, and all necessary administrative structures are already in place in Nagpur.
He stated that the only missing element is the political will to act on this long-pending demand. Naidu reminded that the BJP has repeatedly expressed support for the creation of Vidarbha. "What is required now is the will to act," he urged, citing the successful progress of states like Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, which were formed with far fewer resources. In his view, the creation of smaller states is no longer just beneficial but a necessity for ensuring balanced and equitable development across the country.
