Mumbai, September 29: Former MP Jabuwant Ghote today accused the Congress-led Maharashtra government of neglecting the development in Vidarbha and demanded the creation of separate Vidarbha state. Speaking to reporters here, he said that the demand of separate Vidarbha has been there since 1888 on the basis of its cultural history and geographical area. He further said even first prime minister late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru also wanted Vidarbha to be a separate state. But, due to apathy of political leaders, it has been pending till today, despite recommendation of separate Vidarbha state by several commissions. He said that the region has vast stocks of minerals which can be mined for the development of Vidarbha. The people of the region will press for their demand by non-violence path, the former MP said. Condemning the recent statement of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare against creation of sepeate Vidarbha state, Mr Ghote said Mr Hazae should study the issues and problems affecting Vidarbha and then make any statements.
—-Agencies