Shiv Sena (UBT) presses other factions on Vidarbha state issue

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Shiv Sena (UBT); (right) Eknath Shinde, head of the Shiv Sena. FILE PICS/ASHISH RAJE

Shiv Sena (UBT) is trying to corner other Shiv Sena factions over creation of Vidarbha state. Recently, a senior BJP leader had reiterated that the party would continue to stand by its promise of securing statehood, a stand that the undivided Shiv Sena had vehemently opposed.

Taking a cue from the BJP leader's statement, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, said in Nagpur on Friday: "What is the stand of those [a reference to Eknath Shinde and his party] sitting next to the CM?" Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hails from Nagpur and has always supported statehood.

Thackeray's move is seen as an attempt to corner the Shinde Sena. "Supporting Vidarbha would mean taking a stand opposite to that of Balasaheb, one that Shinde will not endorse. On the other hand, opposing the move would be another difference among the ruling allies. Any stand Shinde takes will create a stir in political circles," said a Sena (UBT) leader.

In 1960, Maharashtra was formally declared a separate state, with Mumbai as its capital. Vidarbha comprises 11 districts across two revenue divisions (Nagpur and Amravati). For years, locals have been demanding a separate state, arguing that it would lead to better governance and help address the developmental backlog.

The move was always supported by the BJP and opposed by its ally partner, the undivided Shiv Sena. Thackeray said that Sena (UBT) would oppose any move to bifurcate Maharashtra to create another state.

1960
Year Maharashtra was formally declared a state