Nagpur: The long-standing debate over carving out a separate Vidarbha state resurfaced on Wednesday, triggering a sharp and uncompromising response from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who declared that the demand is “politically mischievous” and fundamentally against Maharashtra’s unity.
Addressing reporters during his visit to Nagpur, Thackeray delivered a firm message, asserting that the emotional and historical fabric of Maharashtra cannot be divided for political convenience. In his words: “This is a completely wrong demand, and Shiv Sena will never support it. Vidarbha and Maharashtra are one; our hearts are united.”
Thackeray reminded protestors and rival factions that his father, the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, always stood for the collective strength of a united Maharashtra. He said, “Those who claim to follow Balasaheb’s ideology should remember that he believed in collective growth.”
He further hit out at the ruling government for its silence on the matter, challenging them to publicly declare their position.
“The government must clarify its stance. On one side, they talk of development, and on the other, they allow such divisive narratives to spread.”
