Vidarbha Statehood Campaign Gains Momentum with Motorcycle Rally in Nagpur
The Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti (VRAS) has escalated its campaign for a separate Vidarbha state by organizing a significant motorcycle rally in Nagpur on Wednesday. This event is part of a broader strategy to mobilize public support ahead of a planned long march and large public gathering scheduled for February 22. The rally follows closely on the heels of a 125-foot-long flag march conducted in Itwari the previous day, underscoring the organization's intensified efforts.
Rally Details and Route
The Vidarbha Nirman Jansankalp Motorcycle Rally was designed as a key outreach activity to raise awareness and consolidate backing for the statehood demand. Participants rode through central Nagpur, traversing major junctions and raising slogans in favor of a separate Vidarbha state. The procession transformed into a vibrant, moving display of the movement, with several riders proudly carrying Vidarbha flags and others wearing scarves and headbands symbolizing their cause.
The rally commenced from Samvidhan Chowk and proceeded along a carefully planned route that included Variety Chowk, Loha Pul, Tilak Statue, Badkas Chowk, and Gandhi Statue, before culminating at Shaheed Chowk. Throughout the journey, slogans echoed across the city, aiming to draw public attention to the upcoming February 22 long march and emphasize the urgency of the statehood issue.
Leadership and Objectives
Arun Kedar, the former president of VRAS, officially flagged off the rally, lending his support to the initiative. Key figures from the organization were actively involved, including Mukesh Masurkar, the Youth head of VRAS, who highlighted the purpose of the upcoming events. Masurkar stated that the February 22 long march and gathering will serve to reiterate the demand for statehood, which is driven by concerns over regional development and administrative efficiency in Vidarbha.
In the lead-up to this rally, VRAS conducted a series of awareness drives across Nagpur and other parts of the Vidarbha region. These activities included flag rallies and public interactions, all aimed at building a strong support base and ensuring a successful turnout for the proposed gathering on February 22.
Participants and Support
The rally saw participation from a diverse group of office-bearers and supporters, reflecting widespread backing for the movement. Notable attendees included Naresh Nimje, the Nagpur city president; Jyotitai Khandekar, the Nagpur women president; and Amul Sakure, the Nagpur district transport front president. Other prominent participants were Ravindra Bhamode, Ganesh Sharma, Alka Popatkar, Santosh Khode, Vijaya Tajne, Madhuri Chauhan, Shobha Yewle, Vijay Mondekar, Chandrashekhar Shende, Anil Kesharwani, Haribhau Panbude, Bhojraj Sarode, Satish Shendre, Ratnakar Jagtap, Chandrashekhar Kuhite, Mahadev Giridkar, Nitesh Mohadikar, Ramesh Varudkar, Rahman Sheikh, Sanjay Suryavanshi, Sujit Budge, Amit Bansod, Amit Tajne, Prajwal Barange, and Uma Tayde.
This collective effort underscores the growing momentum behind the Vidarbha statehood movement, as VRAS continues to leverage public events to advocate for regional autonomy and address long-standing developmental challenges.
