Vijay Darda calls for separate Vidarbha state

NAGPUR: Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Darda has demanded separate statehood for Vidarbha citing problems faced by people of the region.

Vidarbha should be granted statehood like other states, Darda demanded in Parliament on June 11 during a discussion on President's speech, and sought Prime Minister's intervention in the matter, according to a release issued by his public relations office.

He also demanded that the first cargo hub of the country should be set up in Nagpur, which would generate widespread employment and fuel growth and development in the region. Over the delay in execution of Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded railway project, he sought intervention of the government to complete it as soon as possible.

The Congress leader also said that the Sewagram Ashram at Wardha should be declared a national heritage structure as it has been witness to the 'satyagraha' and national freedom struggle, the release said. He also demanded the government to ensure that there was no interference with the freedom of press.