Shiv Sena, Opposition unite against ruling BJP

Parties to corner BJP on ‘separate Vidarbha’ issue

Even as the BJP managed to sail through the Budget Assembly Session without too many hiccups, it has not managed to get the ‘separate Vidarbha’ monkey off its back. All parties, including Shiv Sena, Congress, NCP and PWP are keen on bringing in a resolution supporting ‘United Maharashtra’ back in the Monsoon Session and corner the BJP.

The Shiv Sena has moved the resolution in support of a united Maharashtra in the Legislative Council this month. The resolution has got the backing of all Opposition parties. Though the BJP managed to ensure that the resolution does not come up for discussion in the Budget Session, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray that it will be discussed in the Monsoon Session in June. Though the BJP has supported separate Vidarbha state, it will be difficult for its government to vote against the motion as all its ministers, including the CM took an oath as Maharashtra ministers.

“The government has promised to bring in the resolution in the next Monsoon Session. They might seek advice from the law and judiciary department on the issue. However, the government will have to answer all other parties, including Congress, NCP and PWP who have also given similar resolutions. Also, the government has not said no to the reply so we are hoping that they will speak up on it,” Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe, who moved the resolution, said.

The resolution was moved under rule 23 of the Legislative Council and has a provision for a vote in the House. This will be a test for BJP where the party will be forced to make its stand clear on the issue. The rule is being used for the first time in the House and hence, the state government has sought time to reply on it.

However, NCP has alleged that the government is in a fix and has deliberately delayed replying on it. “The government has delayed replying on it deliberately as its party is in favour of a separate Vidarbha. Shiv Sena, being part of the ruling alliance, could have got things done through the government. Both the parties are showing double standards. However, we have also moved a resolution and the government is bound to reply,” NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said.

PWP leader Jayant Patil, who moved the resolution, first in the Council, criticised the government for pushing it till the next Monsoon Session.