Calls for independent ‘Vidarbha’ amidst Maratha protests; roads blocked in Nagpur

In the midst of the ongoing agitation for Maratha reservation, the longstanding demand for a separate Vidarbha has resurfaced. Activists advocating for Vidarbha’s independence had set December 31, 2023, as the deadline for the government to make a decision on statehood. With the date passing without any resolution, activists have taken more assertive measures to push their demand, resulting in road blockades in Nagpur and a traffic jam at Samvidhan Chowk on Monday. However, the police swiftly intervened, dispersing the protestors. The activists have issued warnings of intensifying their campaign for an independent Vidarbha in the coming days.

Despite the fervor in Nagpur, the state government has shown no inclination to engage with the movement for an independent Vidarbha. The agitation started in Nagpur, initially gaining momentum with expectations that the government would address the concerns of the protestors. However, the state government has remained indifferent to the movement.

An indefinite hunger strike commenced at Samvidhan Chowk in Nagpur on December 27. As the health of the protestors deteriorated during the fast, they were taken to the hospital. Threatening a guerrilla-style protest if their demands are not met, the protestors expressed discontent with the state government’s lack of attention. On the first day of the New Year, they proceeded to block roads at Constitution Square in Pune, amplifying their protest across multiple locations.