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Journalism of Courage
Even as the Congress strives to contain the rebellion over the Vidarbha issue, the BJP, which passed a resolution endorsing the statehood claim in its Bhubaneshwar executive in 1996, seems to be skirting the controversy rather than fuelling it.
When pointed out that post-Bhubaneshwar, the BJP has done little to keep its commitment on Vidarbha, state BJP chief Pandurang Phundkar said, ‘‘We need not keep on saying we are committed to Vidarbha statehood…Let the Congress bring a resolution in the state legislature. I will issue a whip telling my partymen to vote in its favour’’.
Asked if it can afford to displease its ally, the Shiv Sena, an opponent of the demand for a separate state, Phundkar said: ‘‘If all parties come together, Shiv Sena will also come under pressure.’’ Leader of the Opposition Nitin Gadkari said, ‘‘Congress and BJP should come together on the issue.’’
