Sanjay Raut Attacks BJP and Congress Over Separate Vidarbha State Demand
Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut sharply criticised the BJP and Congress over the renewed demand for a separate Vidarbha state, sparking political debate in Maharashtra.
Mumbai, December 13, 2025 – Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has strongly criticised both the BJP and the Congress over the renewed discussion surrounding the demand for a separate Vidarbha state. His remarks have reignited political debate in Maharashtra and once again brought regional development and state unity into the spotlight.
Raut questioned the intentions of both parties, accusing them of raising the Vidarbha issue only when it suits their political interests. He alleged that whenever elections approach or legislative sessions are held in Nagpur, the demand for a separate state resurfaces. According to him, this pattern reflects political opportunism rather than a genuine concern for the people of Vidarbha.
The Shiv Sena leader argued that the core problems faced by Vidarbha are related to governance and policy failures, not the structure of the state itself. He said that dividing Maharashtra would not automatically resolve issues such as farmer distress, unemployment or lack of industrial growth. Instead, he maintained that effective administration and fair allocation of resources are what the region truly needs.
Raut also criticised past governments, stating that parties now advocating statehood had ample opportunity to address regional imbalance when they were in power at both the state and national levels. He questioned why concrete development measures were not implemented earlier if the concerns were genuine. In his view, reopening the statehood debate now diverts attention from unresolved governance shortcomings.
The timing of Raut’s remarks has added to their impact, as they come amid heightened political activity across Maharashtra. Several leaders from different parties have been making statements about Vidarbha’s future, reflecting growing competition to control the narrative around regional identity and development. Raut warned that such debates risk creating confusion and unnecessary division among citizens.
He emphasised that Vidarbha’s residents deserve sustained investment, better infrastructure, improved irrigation facilities and stronger educational institutions. Raut said these goals require political commitment and administrative efficiency rather than repeated discussions about redrawing state boundaries. He also stressed the importance of maintaining Maharashtra’s unity, calling it a shared responsibility of all political leaders.
Reactions to Raut’s comments have been mixed. Supporters say he has articulated a sentiment shared by many who fear that regional division could weaken the state. Critics, however, argue that dismissing the statehood demand overlooks long-standing grievances and the feeling of neglect among Vidarbha residents.
The debate over a separate Vidarbha state has existed for decades, rooted in perceptions of uneven development compared to western Maharashtra. While the demand has never resulted in a concrete political movement strong enough to change state boundaries, it continues to resurface during periods of political churn.
Raut’s sharp criticism has once again placed the issue at the centre of Maharashtra’s political discourse. Whether the renewed debate leads to meaningful policy action or remains a tool for political positioning remains to be seen. For now, the controversy highlights the enduring complexity of balancing regional aspirations with the idea of a united state.
