After failing to pin down the BJP-led state government on issues like the Kopardi rape and murder case and the Ambedkar Bhavan demolition, Vidarbha’s statehood has come as a godsend for the Opposition
After failing to pin down the BJP-led state government on issues like the Kopardi rape and murder case and the Ambedkar Bhavan demolition, Vidarbha’s statehood has come as a godsend for the Opposition parties in the Monsoon Session of the state Legislature. There was a furore in both Houses, which also saw members of ruling parties — BJP and Shiv Sena — almost coming to blows with each other. The events have brought smiles on Opposition leaders’ faces and they have vowed to step up their attack on the state government in the next week of the session.
However, some leaders feel that it is a deliberate ploy on the BJP’s part to divert attention from corruption allegations that its ministers are facing.
“The Upper House was stalled for three consecutive days by the Opposition demanding action against tainted ministers. Worried over this, the BJP wanted to distract them from the issue. That’s why the issue of separate Vidarbha issue has suddenly cropped up,” said a senior Shiv Sena leader.
BJP MP Nana Patole had introduced a private member’s bill in Lok Sabha on the Vidarbha statehood issue, which led to uproar in the state Legislative Assembly as well as Council.
The issue has created a rift within the ruling alliance, with the Sena vowing it would not allow the bifurcation of Maharashtra whereas BJP members from Vidarbha raised pro-statehood slogans.
The Opposition parties stalled proceedings of both Houses on Friday over the issue.
