Protests for Vidarbha statehood, celebrations mark May 1

Nagpur: Satehood supporters seeking a separate Vidarbha observed May 1 as ‘Black Day’ while an official function held at Kasturchand Park celebrated the 59th foundation day of Maharashtra.
Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS), a leading outfit fighting for statehood, had organized a sit-in protest at Samvidhan Square on Wednesday.
Samiti leader and ex-MLA Wamanrao Chatap declared that an ‘Electricity March’ would be undertaken on June 3 to force the state government to reduce power tariffs in Vidarbha. He expects farmers, small businessmen, factory owners, students and youth to participate[in large numbers. The march, starting from Samvidhan Square, would end in Koradi at power minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s residence.
Samiti convener Ram Nevle said the agitation for separate state would be intensified and the coming state elections would be fought under the banner of Vidarbha Nirman Mahamanch. Ex-DGP PKB Chakraborty, Ranjana Mamarde, Ahmad Kadar, Mukesh Samarth, Arun Kedar and Sunil Chokhare were among those who spoke on the occasion.
Vidarbha Rajya Aghadi, another pro-statehood organization, took out a bike rally from RBI Square to Shahid Chowk where a MAHA aarti was performed at Chandika temple. The Vidarbha flag, too, was hoisted.
At the official function, guardian minister Bawankule hoisted the national flag and took the guard of honour at the parade by armed men of the state police. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the government was gearing up to fight the drought situation and sought public participation to tide over the tough times as water in summer is getting scarce.