BJP MP Ahir to move private member's bill on Vidarbha state

Nagpur, May 23 (UNI) BJP MP Hansraj Ahir will move in the Lok Sabha a private member's bill, seeking the constitution of a commission to examine the formation of a separate Vidarbha state.

Speaking to reporters here today, Mr Ahir said the bill sought the constitution of a commission to examine the formation of Vidarbha and issues related to it.

Vidarbha region had received a raw deal ever since the formation of Maharashtra state in 1960 and had, as a consequence, remained backward, Mr Ahir said. Granting statehood to the 11 districts of the region was the only solution, and hence the bill, he said.

According to the bill drafted by Mr Ahir, the commission would submit, within a year of being constituted, a report on the reorganisation of existing Maharashtra for the formation of Vidarbha.

''I know that a private member's bill is never adopted in the House. It is withdrawn after the government's reply to the discussion. However, I want to bring the issue in focus again, and hope to garner support from other members, who are in favour of smaller states,'' Mr Ahir added.

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