Vidarbha volte-face: Salve, Salve cling to Congress

‘‘We have no doubt that Vidarbha state can’t be achieved without Congress support,’’ the two said today, explaining their volte-face.

The duo had dramatically announced their exit from the party on August 17.

Till last evening, the duo had said they would attend Tuesday’s convention organised jointly with former MP Banwarilal Purohit for the formal launch of their Vidarbha Rajya Party. But later at night, they called up newspaper offices to announce the reversal.

Purohit went ahead with his programme. Telangana movement leader Chandrashekhar Rao and Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Ajit Singh were among the guests.

The Congress veterans claimed it was Purohit’s insistence on deleting all mention of ‘‘Congress’’ from the new party which rubbed them the wrong way. ‘‘Let’s not forget, the people of Vidarbha have been traditionally with the Congress,’’ they said.

While claiming that the high command has indicated willingness to move a resolution for statehood, Sathe said a meeting of Vidarbha MPs and legislators must be held to request Sonia to decide on the proposed resolution. The proposal was accepted and the meeting is scheduled for September 7.

AICC sources said the rebels changed their mind after being told they must put their demand on hold till Assembly elections in four states or face expulsion. Clearly not wanting to let go of the party, Sathe and Salve decided to wait. But the Congress had other reasons to keep them from taking the plunge. The rebels were planning to rope in others seeking separate states, including Telangana, Harit Pradesh, Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal, for today’s function, which would have added up to 106 MPs.

Not willing to let this conglomeration take shape, the Congress even proposed the idea of bringing in a resolution during the winter session of the Assembly supporting the cause of Vidarbha.