Bhopal: Controversial BJP legislator Narayan Tripathi has on Sunday advocated for a separate Vindhya state, a demand pending since 1956, alleging poor development in the region. The MLA represents Maihar assembly constituency.

Tripathi, had kicked a political storm by defying BJP diktat and voted in favour of Kamal Nath led-Congress government in the Madhya Pradesh assembly during an amendment bill and shocked BJP leaders by speaking out against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The BJP legislator has urged that Congress government should moot a proposal for statehood to Vindhya region in the budget session of the state assembly scheduled next month and forward the same to the Centre.

Meanwhile, minister Kamleshwar Patel rejected the demand, saying Vindhya region has witnessed a significant development during the Congress rule.

“I have written letters to Prime Minister, chief minister and all public representatives of Vindhya region to take up the proposal for a separate Vindhya state. We will soon launch an agitation from Vindhya to Bhopal to press for our demand. We will talk to all leaders to raise above party politics and support this move,” said Tripathi on Sunday.

The BJP MLA who had been praising chief minister Kamal Nath for his commitment towards public, attended a meeting of Vindhya Mahotsava preparations here, along with public relations minister PC Sharma, panchayat minister Kamleshwar Patel, former deputy speaker Rajendra Singh and BJP MLA Vishwas Sarang among others.

Justifying the statehood demand, Tripathi said, "Those who support the formation of a new Vindhya state, public will support them. Who do not support the demand, public will boycott them. After the formation of Madhya Pradesh, Vindhya region has remained undeveloped. "

The BJP has however, distanced itself from Tripathi's statement. Sources said BJP leadership is surprised as Tripathi did not discuss the issue of dividing MP on the party forum before raising it in public. Former minister and MLA Vishwas Sarang said, "Demand for a separate Vindhya state is an old issue. In Congress rule, Vindhya has been left undeveloped. The ministers of Vindhya region should come clear on these allegations."