Nagpur:

Efforts to bring all

pro-Vidarbha

organizations on one platform may not have succeeded, but at least two of them will take the struggle forward to

capital. They have organized separate

dharnas

(sit-in)

agitations

at

Jantar

Mantar

.

The idea is to draw attention of the government as well as all political parties to the demand of statehood for Vidarbha during the ongoing budget session of parliament, said leaders of the two organizations. On March 16, Federation of New States (Bharat) will stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar that will be led by former-MP Jambuwantrao Dhote.

Federation’s Nagpur division President Satish Itkalwar said a decision in this regard was taken at a meeting held this week at MLA hostel in which supporters of the movement were present in large numbers. Federation’s national president Baba Tomar, general secretary Kishorsingh Bais, PK Patsani, MP, DV Pakhrin (Gorkhaland) will be present. From the city, newly-formed party Vidarbha Maza President Dr Govind Verma, MLC Jogendra Kawade, Asif Qureshi and NCP corporators Duneshwar Pethe and Raju Nagulwar will also participate, said Itkalwar.

Meanwhile, Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti has also decided to stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar on March 31. It will also highlight plight of farmers facing drought in state besides raising demand of separate Vidarbha state, said spokesman Ram Neole.

For those involved in the movement, the silence of the BJP which rules at the Centre and the state is causing worry. The party had held the promise of creating the state if it came to power. But after winning elections two years ago, the BJP has shown no interest in this regard. While the Congress as well as the NCP continue their fence sitting, the

is the only party totally opposed to creation of Vidarbha state by splitting Maharashtra. As long as the BJP relies on the Sena to stay in power, its chances of taking any step toward forming new state looks dim.