The United Kingdom's recent referendum Brexit, which has decided the departure of the country from the European Union, might have shocked the globe but it is definitely "inspiring" our politicians.
Should there be a "Videxit" to decide the fate of a separate Vidarbha state? Senior political leaders from Maharashtra believe so.
The United Kingdom's recent referendum Brexit, which has decided the departure of the country from the European Union, might have shocked the globe but it is definitely "inspiring" our politicians.
NCP legislator and leader of Opposition in the Upper House, Dhananjay Munde, said, "A referendum is a must. Instead of unilaterally taking any decision in haste, the government must seek the opinion of Maharashtra's people."
Referendum can be a solution for the long-pending issue, several leaders cutting across the party lines have admitted.
MIM legislators Waris Pathan and Imtiyaz Jalil also agreed that a referendum can be a solution to the issue, even as they said their party was yet to decide its stand. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, too, supported the referendum and said, "If people decide on a separate Vidarbha, Fadnavis must also quit like David Cameron."
Incidentally, staunch opponents of a separate Vidarbha – Shiv Sena – fumbled for answers when dna asked them to suggest a solution for the region that is trailing on all accounts.
Won't a separate state of Vidarbha help development and eventually benefit people? Environment minister Ramdas Kadam merely said, "We can't compromise on Akhand Maharashtra, for which Balasaheb Thackeray fought for years and 106 people lost their lives. Our stand is clear since beginning." Kadam had no answer to what the Sena will do if the BJP moved a proposal in this regard in the parliament.
When asked why the Congress was opposed to the idea of smaller states, former CM and Congress MLA Prithviraj Chavan said ,"There is no study to prove that smaller states are managed better. Look at Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Naxalism has gone up there. Vidarbha also includes some naxal areas and separation may make things difficult."
He added,"Over 75% of the state's revenue comes from just five districts. What would be the revenue model of Vidarbha?"
On the other hand, NCP legislator Rajesh Tope said the revenue model could be discussed and chalked out. "Every new state is given monetary support. Besides, the area in rich in minerals and coal."
Is Congress confused?
Even as some Congress leaders, such as Sanjay Dutt, joined NCP to disrupt the legislative proceedings and raised 'Akhand Maharashtra' slogans, the party appeared confused on the matter.
When asked if the Congress was opposed to the idea of smaller states and Vidarbha, MLA Naseem Khan said no. He said the ruckus in the legislature was "only because we want the Fadnavis government to come clear on the matter. The BJP and Shiv Sena both must clarify their stand rather than doing drama".
Former CM Prithivraj Chavan supported the Akhand Maharashtra. "This government is deliberately raking up the controversy to divert people's attention from its gross failure on all fronts," he said. His colleague Manikrao Thakre said, "The party is yet to decide its stand."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Dhananjay Munde")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}