Nagpur: The Jai Vidarbha Party (JVP), which is contesting elections in five assembly constituencies, has come out with the demand for a separate Vidarbha state in its manifesto.
Supported by Parivartan Mahashakti, and RPI (Khobragade), JVP candidates, Mukesh Masurkar from East Nagpur, and Prashant Nakhate from Kamptee assembly constituency, have committed themselves to the cause of a separate Vidarbha state. The other candidates are Rajendra Mahale from Hingna , Rekha Nimje from Nagpur South, and Pragati Gourkhede from Nagpur North.
JVP president Arun Kedar said while speaking to the media, "This has created a challenging situation for East Nagpur MLA Krishna Khopde and BJP state president and Kamptee candidate Chandrashekhar Bawankule."
"The support of the Halba community in East Nagpur has turned this contest into a fierce battle. With over 40,000 voters from the community, the opposition is feeling the pressure. At the same time, the growing enthusiasm for the JVP's campaign for a separate Vidarbha state is creating a wave of hope among the people. We will see the true impact of this on November 20, when the polls take place." said Masurkar.
In addition to their promise of statehood, JVP candidates have pledged the following if elected to the assembly: 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, halving electricity tariffs, no implementation of smart prepaid metres in Vidarbha, providing financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for constructing houses under the housing scheme for the needy, clean water supply for every household, the establishment of well equipped government hospitals to serve patients, ownership rights for slum dwellers, and free education for students from Class 1 to Class 12 .
Vidarbha Vichar Manch's Sunil Chokhare said, "The MVA and Mahayuti have created a ruckus in Maharashtra's political arena and commented how the elections are neither free nor fair." Lastly, he sought support for JVP to bring about a real change.