VRAS Threatens Protest if PM Modi Denies Meeting During City Visit

Nagpur: The long-standing demand for a separate Vidarbha state has gained momentum as (VRAS) has sought an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Nagpur on March 30. The delegation, led by chief Wamanrao Chatap, has formally approached the collector, divisional commissioner, and commissioner of police, requesting a brief meeting with the Prime Minister. If denied, VRAS has declared its intent to stage a symbolic protest by waving black flags."We have just one agenda — to demand statehood for Vidarbha," Chatap asserted. "We will submit a memorandum detailing the history of the struggle since 1905 and the current economic and developmental plight of the state. Vidarbha continues to suffer under the existing administrative structure, and the only viable solution is a separate state."Chatap expressed frustration over repeated attempts to reach the Prime Minister, stating, "We sent multiple letters, emails, and even physically submitted memorandums at the PMO. Despite our continued efforts, our plea was ignored. During our recent meeting, we passed a resolution and submitted it to the President, urging him to direct the PM and home minister to initiate the process of forming Vidarbha."According to VRAS office bearer Mukesh Masurkar, a meeting with the commissioner of police and senior officials was held on Friday. "The CP and DCPs assured us that they will convey our message to the Special Protection Group (SPG) team managing the PM's security, which just landed in the city. However, if our request is not granted, we will be left with no choice but to protest," he said.Masurkar detailed the planned agitation, stating, "We will wear black bands as a mark of dissent. If our meeting is denied, we will stage peaceful protests at key locations, including the airport and Mahal Badkas Chowk, or anywhere along the PM's convoy route."With tensions rising, the movement has reignited, reflecting the region's deep-seated discontent. As Prime Minister Modi's visit approaches, all eyes will be on whether the demand for a separate Vidarbha finally receives the attention it deserves — or if yet another appeal will be met with silence.VRAS leaders, including Kedar, Ahmed Kader, Sunil Chokhare, Mukesh Masurkar, Naresh Nimje, Prashant Nakhate, Jyoti Khandekar, Ganesh Sharma, Rajendra Satai, and Bhojraj Sarode, have been mobilising support for the cause.Nagpur: The long-standing demand for a separate Vidarbha state has gained momentum as Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) has sought an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Nagpur on March 30. The delegation, led by VRAS chief Wamanrao Chatap, has formally approached the collector, divisional commissioner, and commissioner of police, requesting a brief meeting with the Prime Minister. If denied, VRAS has declared its intent to stage a symbolic protest by waving black flags."We have just one agenda — to demand statehood for Vidarbha," Chatap asserted. "We will submit a memorandum detailing the history of the struggle since 1905 and the current economic and developmental plight of the state. Vidarbha continues to suffer under the existing administrative structure, and the only viable solution is a separate state."Chatap expressed frustration over repeated attempts to reach the Prime Minister, stating, "We sent multiple letters, emails, and even physically submitted memorandums at the PMO. Despite our continued efforts, our plea was ignored. During our recent meeting, we passed a resolution and submitted it to the President, urging him to direct the PM and home minister to initiate the process of forming Vidarbha."According to VRAS office bearer Mukesh Masurkar, a meeting with the commissioner of police and senior officials was held on Friday. "The CP and DCPs assured us that they will convey our message to the Special Protection Group (SPG) team managing the PM's security, which just landed in the city. However, if our request is not granted, we will be left with no choice but to protest," he said.Masurkar detailed the planned agitation, stating, "We will wear black bands as a mark of dissent. If our meeting is denied, we will stage peaceful protests at key locations, including the airport and Mahal Badkas Chowk, or anywhere along the PM's convoy route."With tensions rising, the Vidarbha statehood movement has reignited, reflecting the region's deep-seated discontent. As Prime Minister Modi's visit approaches, all eyes will be on whether the demand for a separate Vidarbha finally receives the attention it deserves — or if yet another appeal will be met with silence.VRAS leaders, including Kedar, Ahmed Kader, Sunil Chokhare, Mukesh Masurkar, Naresh Nimje, Prashant Nakhate, Jyoti Khandekar, Ganesh Sharma, Rajendra Satai, and Bhojraj Sarode, have been mobilising support for the cause.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Diwali wishes, messages and quotes !