With support pouring in from different quarters, the long-pending demand of statehood for Vidarbha has gained momentum. However, when TOI
spoke to Tamilians settled in the city, they expressed different views. While some believe that statehood is the only solution to save the region from biased western Maharashtra politicians, others say that separation is not the answer. They feel that the elected representatives should strive hard to remove the backlog.
Kala Ravikumar, a homemaker, said, "The region has rich natural resources through which it can prosper. However, politicians of western Maharashtra who are more influential, succeed in developing their constituencies. The region lacks all-round development since its merger with the state in 1960.
The Western Maharashtra lobby needs to be curbed." Srilatha Balasubramanian, a central government employee, said that a separate state is not an option because 30-40 years down the line some politicians would demand another smaller state.
"The condition will become like the pre-British era where India had too many small states which were fighting each other over small issues. Elected representatives of the region should work together to bring funds as each region deserves to be developed.
Ironically, there were chief ministers from Vidarbha and Marathwada but due to lobbying by politicians from West Maharashtra, these regions remained backward," pointed out V Sathyanagraj, a private employee. He cited an example to back his claim saying any number of states can be created but the desired benefits never reach the common man.
"According to the media reports, 25% of the MLAs, MPs have criminal backgrounds. Most of the legislators and members of parliament never work for the welfare of people. They only concentrate on how they can benefit through government projects or schemes" he alleged.
"Most of the political parties are highly corrupt and it is very difficult to find honest public representatives. When this is the situation then it is meaningless to have a separate state," added Sathyanagraj.