BJP and Cong have failed on Vidarbha statehood: Aney

Nagpur: Vidarbha protagonist Shreehari Aney on Thursday launched a scathing attack on both BJP and Congress accusing them of not fulfilling people’s long-pending aspirations of a separate Vidarbha state. He said both these parties would never agree to bifurcate the state and it was the reason why pro-Vidarbha activists decided to form Vidarbha Nirman Manch (VNM) and enter into political fray.
The former advocate general was addressing the press meet where he appealed to citizens to grant one chance to Suresh Mane, from Bahujan Republican Socialist Party, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Nagpur. Former MLA Wamanrao Chatap and Mane shared the dais.

“He (Mane) is contesting only on the statehood plank and he’s an expert on the Constitution. Like others, he’s not fighting on issues of caste, religion and ideology. Both BJP and Congress had used Vidarbha for their personal benefits and then neglected the region,” said Aney.

Aney said BJP was forced to forge an alliance with Shiv Sena after suffering setbacks in three states. “The BJP was so apprehensive that it agreed to share equal seats in LS polls with Sena, despite being a national player. Now, it’s harping on the issue of nationalism after Balakot attacks and skipped the real ones like farm distress, poverty and unemployment on the back burner. Surprisingly, even Congress which is in opposition, is not replying to them. This is first ever polls which is not fought on any issue,” he said.

Chatap said the both BJP and Congress have fooled the Vidarbhaites all these years by making false assurances. “The farmer suicides still continue in the region, unemployment is at all time high, inflation is going northwards and tribals in Melghat and Gadchiroli are still malnourished. Are these Acche Din,” he asked.

Both Aney and Chatap decided not to contesting the LS polls saying they want younger candidates and women to enter into fray. “We will however continue to fight for the issue on all levels and our target would be assembly polls. Just Metro Rail or cement roads are not development. The government has failed to build a bridge at nullahs in Gadchiroli, which remain isolated for six months after the monsoon, citing Naxal problem. It’s the government failure to control the Maoist menace,” said Aney.