PM clears Rs 2,000-cr package for Vidarbha

The Centre’s spontaneous response to Maharashtra’s demand comes in the wake of growing unrest within Vidarbha,with BJP demanding separate statehood for the region on the lines of Telangana.

Chavan,who held meetings with AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi and the Prime Minister,said they needed to reach out to Vidarbha in a big way to counter growing agitations for the statehood.

A statehood for Vidarbha would have maximum impact on Congress,which has the highest strength in the state Assembly because it has maximum number of MLAs elected from the cotton growing belt. The party fears the BJP may take the lead in steering an agitation in Vidarbha that has the support of all political parties,including Congress MLAs and MPs from Vidarbha.

State BJP president Devendra Fadnavis,while reiterating his party’s support for a separate Vidarbha state,dismissed the latest financial package for as an “eyewash”.

“It looks good on paper,but does not appear to be translating in reality.”

Meanwhile,the CM has also reportedly discussed with the Centre long-term plans to mitigate the problems faced by farmers in Vidarbha.

Of the total package,Rs 500 crore will be spent on roads,Rs 600 crore for relief and rehabilitation and remaining for long-term plans.

An all-party delegation had met Chavan last week to appeal for the package. The demand was backed by state Congress chief Manikrao Thakre.