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Time of India

Statehood Supporters Launch Vidarbha Sankalp Padyatra

Nagpur: In a show of unity and determination, statehood supporters from across Vidarbha region came together on Tuesday to launch the Vidarbha Sankalp Padyatra . This mass movement aims to pressure the central govt to grant statehood to Vidarbha under Article 3 of the Indian padyatra was officially inaugurated at 1pm from Itwari, Nagpur, after leaders paid tribute at the symbolic site of Vidarbha Chandika . The yatra was flagged off by West Vidarbha president Ahmed Kadar and supported by various grass roots leaders and members. The march will continue for 12 days, traversing Nagpur rural to Wardha district, and culminate on May 25 in Amravati. The final gathering will host representatives from various sectors, including sarpanchs, educators, engineers, and office workers at Abhiyanta Bhawan, Shegaon youth wing president Mukesh Masurkar said, "Supporters of the Vidarbha statehood movement highlight deep-rooted disparities between Vidarbha and the rest of Maharashtra. Decades of underfunding, including the non-receipt of Rs65,000 crore in irrigation funds, 131 stalled dam projects, and loss of 14 lakh hectares of potential farmland, all contribute to a devastating farmer suicide crisis."He added, "Despite having 23 minerals, 70% of Maharashtra's electricity production, and rich forest and water resources, Vidarbha remains industrially and economically neglected, exacerbating issues like malnutrition, air pollution, and rising naxalism."The yatra aims to raise awareness, build grassroots momentum, and send a clear message: the people of Vidarbha are ready to fight for a separate, competent, and balanced state. Their slogan rings loud: "Our war has begun. We will fight and win. We will be cut, but we will not be removed."Key regional figures, including Babarao Shelke, Mukesh Masurkar, Sunil Chokhare, and others, set the march in motion. They were joined by prominent voices like VRAS President Wamanrao Chatap, Srinivas Khandewale, Ranjanatai Mamarde, Arun Kedar, and PR Rajput.