Uddhav Thackeray Responds to Separate Vidarbha State Debate in Maharashtra
Uddhav Thackeray
Uddhav Thackeray addresses the growing discussion around a separate Vidarbha state, criticising the current government’s handling of regional issues and emphasising the need for balanced development across Maharashtra.
Nagpur, December 12, 2025 – During a press interaction in Nagpur, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray weighed in on the ongoing debate about the possibility of Vidarbha becoming a separate state from Maharashtra. Thackeray emphasised that regional development concerns in Vidarbha must be addressed, but stopped short of endorsing outright statehood. His comments reflect broader dissatisfaction with how government priorities and resource allocation have unfolded in recent years.
Thackeray’s remarks came amid intense political discussion during the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur, where lawmakers from various parties have highlighted grievances related to the Vidarbha region. He criticised the state government for failing to adequately address development issues in Vidarbha, saying that holding the assembly session there had become more symbolic than substantive. The current political focus on the issue contrasts with earlier national dialogue on regional disparities.
Over the years, Vidarbha’s demand for separate statehood has surfaced periodically, driven by perceptions of economic neglect and inequitable resource distribution. Analysts note that the issue is tied to long-standing sentiments around development gaps between western Maharashtra and the Vidarbha region. Demands for a separate state have been voiced by political leaders and civil society activists who argue that self-governance could accelerate local development and administrative focus. Yet, a formal push for statehood has not gained decisive traction in the state legislature or Parliament.
Thackeray pointed out that development imbalances persist, but he framed his stance around governance and accountability rather than secession. He suggested that elected representatives must work to ensure fair distribution of funds and implement policies that uplift all regions. His position reflects a view shared by many regional leaders who believe that reform within the existing state framework can address inequities without necessitating division.
Political opposition parties have echoed concerns about Vidarbha’s growth and infrastructure. While some leaders explicitly support the idea of separate statehood, Thackeray emphasised that practical steps toward development should be the immediate priority. He criticised the state government’s handling of funds and questioned whether legislative debates were effectively translating into progress on the ground.
The debate over Vidarbha’s status is not new, and has deep historical roots. During the re-organisation of Indian states in the 1950s, proposals for a separate Vidarbha state were discussed but ultimately Vidarbha was merged with Maharashtra under the Nagpur Pact, which guaranteed legislative focus on the region’s issues. Despite this, regional concerns have continued to surface, reflecting public sentiment in parts of eastern Maharashtra.
The current discussion has also intersected with broader political strategies ahead of upcoming elections. Leaders from several parties have highlighted regional issues to rally support and underscore commitments to local development. Thackeray’s comments fit into this larger political environment, where competing narratives about governance, representation and regional pride are shaping discourse.
For many residents in Vidarbha, the ongoing dialogue is about more than statehood; it stems from persistent concerns around infrastructure, job opportunities, agriculture and investor interest. While the idea of a separate state remains contentious, there is broad agreement among observers that equitable development policies are necessary regardless of administrative boundaries.
As the winter legislative session progresses, debates on Vidarbha’s future are likely to continue. Uddhav Thackeray’s stance highlights the complexity of the issue — balancing calls for regional autonomy with practical governance reforms that can improve lives without necessarily redrawing state boundaries.
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