Nagpur: The demand for a separate Vidarbha state intensified as the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) sought to revive the long-standing movement by observing Maharashtra Day on May 1 as a 'Black Day'. The symbolic protest escalated when activists attempted to hoist a black flag at the gates of Vidhan Bhavan, resulting in the detention of several individuals amid high-pitched sloganeering.
Protest Highlights
Earlier, black balloons filled the skies over Samvidhan Chowk, with activists describing it as a silent marker of anger and neglect of the Vidarbha region. The protest gained momentum through the afternoon as VRAS activists gathered, raising slogans such as 'Jai Vidarbha', 'Vegla Vidarbha jhalach pahije' (Vidarbha state must be formed), and 'Vidarbha is our right'. A group attempted to march towards the legislative assembly and hoist a black flag at its gates while tying black balloons to barricades.
Police Response and Detentions
Police personnel, deployed in large numbers, moved swiftly to stop the group, leading to a brief scuffle and heated verbal exchange. At least 15 activists were detained and later taken to Sitabuldi police station. Those detained included VRAS youth wing provincial president Mukesh Masurkar, city women's wing president Jyotitai Khandekar, and youth wing city president Girish Titarmare. Anticipating the scale of the agitation after VRAS's call to observe May 1 as a 'Black Day', police initiated preventive action a night earlier. Key office-bearers were detained from various parts of the city and held at different police stations. Among them were Sunil Chokhare, Naresh Nimje, Prashant Nakhate, Pyarubhai alias Naushad Hussain, Shahid Anwar, and Prashant Jaykumar.
Reasons for Protest
VRAS leaders stated that the protest aimed to highlight what they described as systemic neglect of the region. They pointed to long-pending issues such as irrigation backlog, farmer suicides, unemployment, and malnutrition, alleging that successive governments in Maharashtra have failed to address Vidarbha's concerns. The outfit also raised questions over the state's financial health, claiming mounting debt and large unpaid dues have constrained development. According to them, the situation has weakened the government's ability to invest in infrastructure, generate employment, or resolve agrarian distress in Vidarbha.
Security Measures
Police maintained tight security across key locations through the day to prevent escalation. While the protest remained largely controlled, the clashes and detentions underscored the continuing tensions around the statehood demand, which resurfaced sharply on Maharashtra Day with renewed intensity.
