NGO plans support programmes for separate Vidarbha stir

NAGPUR: A local NGO has drawn up plans to organise a series of programmes to muster support for proposed hunger strike by youth leader Ashish Deshmukh for a separate Vidarbha from December 6, three days before the winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly commences here.

Most of these events will run parallel to the fast at the same venue, Bhaskar Bhavan, Civil Lines where Ashish will sit on fast, according to Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council.

Ashish is the son of former MPCC president and Agriculture Minister Ranjit Deshmukh.

"VED is meant for development of this region and has always supported cause for separate Vidarbha and is whole heartedly supporting Deshmukh's stir.

In winter session of Parliament, the bill for statehood for Telangana will be presented and all we want is a bill for Vidarbha to be placed simultaneously," VED President Devendra Parekh, told reporters here yesterday.

The programmes include a display of newspaper articles on Vidarbha demand, photography, painting competition for children, Experts Opine, short films, street plays etc.

All these will be on the theme 'Vidarbha: State of my Dreams Vs Current Reality '.