Assembly polls: Why BJP speaking in different tune over Maharashtra split?

Mumbai, Oct 7: It seems that BJP is not yet clear with its policies regarding the splitting of Maharashtra.

At a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that Maharashtra will never be divided, State BJP president said that the party is firm in its demand for separate Vidharbha State. The duo voiced contradicting opinions over splitting Maharashtra during their election campaign in the State.

Addressing a rally in Dhule district on Tuesday, Modi said,"Congress leaders have been spreading lies on cotton and onion for the last 10 years. They have started spreading a new lie. They say Maharashtra will be split. Has anyone been born in this country who can divide the land of Shivaji?"

"I assure you that as long as I am in Delhi, no power in the world can split Maharashtra and also separate Mumbai from Maharashtra," he said.

While, according to a report in DNA, BJP sSate president Devendra Fadnavis said, "BJP has always been positive over having small States. And we are firm on our demand of separate Vidharbha, and even Modiji is aware of demand for small States."

The Prime Minister's remarks come against the backdrop of MNS chief Raj Thackeray reportedly accusing Modi of having a "hidden agenda" to split Mumbai from Maharashtra.

With State Assembly polls round the corner, such difference in opinion over splitting Maharashtra has given opposition parties to target the BJP.

OneIndia News