United Maharashtra: Shiv Sena moves proposal

As the demand for a separate Vidarbha state hots up, Shiv Sena — which is strongly opposing the move — has now moved a proposal for United Maharashtra in the state Legislative Council. The opposition parties — NCP and Congress — have also tabled a similar proposal that supports a united state.

The move by Sena and the Opposition parties is aimed to pin down the BJP, which wants to carve a separate state for Vidarbha from Maharashtra. It is also likely to put chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in an embarrassing position, as he will be made to clarify his stand on the matter.

The proposal for United Maharashtra has been moved by senior Shiv Sena legislator Neelam Gorhe. “The state of Maharashtra has been formed through the sacrifice of 105 martyrs and struggle of several generations. The Legislative Council, through the state government, is proposing to the governor and Centre that Maharashtra should be kept united permanently along with its various parts — Mumbai, Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, Khandesh and Vidarbha,” says the proposal.

Speaking with The Asian Age, Ms Gorhe said, “There has been a talk of breaking up the Maharashtra state, which has been gained by years of toil and struggle. Not only Vidarbha, but even demands for a separate Marathwada state are now being raised. This is harmful for the unity of the Maharashtra. There is a need to strongly stand up against the voices of breaking the state.”

NCP group leader Dhananjay Munde and Congress group leader Sharad Ranpise have also made the proposal on the same lines.

The issue of a separate Vidarbha state has hogged the limelight in the ongoing budget session of the State Legislature after advocate general Shreehari Aney openly supported the demand for dividing the state. He even went to extent of making a demand for a separate Marathwada state.

Mr Aney’s statements stirred up the state politics and the issue reverberated in the State Legislature too. Shiv Sena as well as the opposition parties slammed Mr Aney’s statements, accusing him of trying to break the state.

Following their pressure, Mr Fadnavis finally asked Mr Aney to tender his resignation.

Mr Aney has continued to demand a separate state for Vidarbha as he undertook a rally in New Delhi for the same cause. However, some pro-Maharashtra supporters threw ink at him during the rally.