File photo of Shreehari Aney.
The supporters of separate Vidarbha led by its strong protagonist, former Maharashtra Advocate General Shreehari Aney, today hoisted a 'Vidarbha flag' and said they would intensify their movement for statehood to the region.
A number of pro-Vidarbha leaders and activists gathered at a private resort in Bajaj Nagar Square here and hoisted the specially prepared multi-colour flag as a mark of protest against the merger of the then Vidarbha, the Central Provinces and Berar into Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.
They also chanted pro-Vidarbha slogans.
Similar flags were also unfurled at about 24 other places across the Vidarbha region.
On the occasion, Mr Aney, whose remarks on separate Marathwada and Vidarbha recently sparked controversy leading to his resignation from Advocate General's post, said the flag of separate Vidarbha is being raised on May 1 for last three years.
He said this year the movement for separate Vidarbha state has gained momentum since it has been strongly opposed by the ruling alliance partner Shiv Sena, besides Mhararashtra Navnirman Sena.
"We are not apprehensive of any political party or group which is opposing the creation of Vidarbha state, but our fight will go on and it will be further intensified from day one of the commencement of winter session of state Legislature here in the second capital (of Maharashtra) in December," he said.
"Till December, we are chalking out strategy to agitate for carving out Vidarbha from Maharashtra," Mr Aney said. He declined to comment on alleged remarks by Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray against him and said, "Come what may we will maintain our discipline and decency in agitation."
Prominent members of pro-Vidarbha organisations, Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED), Shetkari Sanghatana, Vidarbha Vikas Aghadi and other outfits also participated.
Former three-term lawmaker, Shetkari Sanghatana's Wamanrao Chatap, former Minister of State and Dalit leader Sulekha Kumbhare, ex-Director General of Police Prabir Chakraborty, former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax B Dharmik, Jan Manch president advocate Anil Killor, former Vice Chancellor of Nagour University Haribhau Kedar were among those present on the occasion.