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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mission 2027: VRAS Charts Aggressive Roadmap to Achieve Separate Vidarbha State
1 2 Nagpur: The Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) has intensified its campaign for a separate Vidarbha with the launch of Mission 2027, aimed at securing statehood by the end of 2027. In a charged gathering at Samvidhan Square on Saturday, staunch statehood supporters vowed to escalate their struggle through district-level protests, aggressive public outreach, and pressure on the Centre to grant statehood to Vidarbha under Article 3 of the Constitution. Drawing inspiration from the Quit India Movement, agitators told anti-Vidarbhaites to "leave the region." VRAS leaders said they would leave no stone unturned — from legal interventions and mass rallies to policy papers and lobbying — to achieve a separate Vidarbha by the deadline. "The state's revenue income is substantial, yet it runs a deficit every year. Maharashtra already carries a heavy debt. In this scenario, Vidarbha's irrigation backlog and pending dams will never be completed," said Youth Front president Mukesh Masurkar, making a strong case for statehood. Masurkar cited the Jigaon–Takli dam in Buldhana district, approved 30 years ago at ₹699 crore but now costing several thousand crore, with some land acquisition still pending. "Without independent governance, the region will remain trapped in farmer suicides, malnutrition deaths, migration, and unemployment — all fuelling youth unrest," he warned. The event culminated in an oath-taking ceremony, where activists pledged unwavering commitment to Mission 2027. The roadmap includes intensifying grassroots campaigns, uniting Vidarbha's youth, women, and farmer groups, expanding national-level alliances, and confronting political resistance head-on. " For us, Vidarbha statehood is not a dream — it's a 2027 commitment," VRAS leaders declared, signalling that the next two years will be defined by relentless action to turn the long-standing aspiration into reality. VRAS president Wamanrao Chatap, economist Srinivas Khandewale, Women's Front president Ranjanatai Mamarde, East Vidarbha president Arunbhau Kedar, West Vidarbha president P. R. Rajput, and other senior leaders participated in the protest along with city and district unit presidents. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Vidarbha Explodes in Protest: Statehood Supporters Hoist Flag, Declare War On Maharashtra Day
Nagpur: While Maharashtra marked its formation day with celebrations, the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) observed it as a Black Day, renewing its call for a separate Vidarbha state. At the centre of the protest was the symbolic hoisting of the Vidarbha flag at Variety Square near the Gandhi Statue by VRAS Youth President Mukesh Masurkar. Protesters wore black clothes and tied black bands to express anger and grief over decades of neglect. Chants of "Jai Vidarbha" and "Vidarbha Rajya lekar rahenge" rang through the streets. As the crowd moved toward Samvidhan Chowk, tensions rose. Protesters attempted to move forward but were intercepted and detained by police at Zero Mile. They were later taken to Sitabuldi police station. Speaking at the protest, Masurkar said, "Vidarbha has waited long enough. Maharashtra's Rs 8.14 lakh crore debt makes it impossible to address our region's problems. Unemployment is rising, farmers continue to take their own lives, and there's no future for our youth under this state." Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Insiders Swear By This Risky Forex Strategy – Find Out Why! Expertinspector Learn More Undo He added that Maharashtra historically neglected Vidarbha's development needs despite the region's contribution in terms of natural resources and power. "This protest is not just symbolic. It's a demand for justice and self-determination," he said. Several senior leaders joined the protest, including Ahmed Kader, Nagpur City president Naresh Nimje, women's president Jyoti Khandekar, and many other prominent activists. They reiterated that Vidarbha's issues cannot be solved under the current state framework. "We are not against the people of Maharashtra, but against a system that ignored us for far too long," said Khandekar. The protest called on the central govt to take immediate steps toward forming a separate Vidarbha state. The hoisting of the flag on Black Day was meant to send a clear message: Vidarbha's demand is not a passing phase — it is a growing, determined movement rooted in decades of struggle.
