A meeting of activists and associated organisations of Vidarbha Nirman Mahamanch was held at Markandey Hall, Manewada in the city.
The meeting was presided over by senior economist Dr Shriniwas Khandewale, Chief Convenor; Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti; Ram Newle; Vidarbha Rajya Aghadi Vice-President; Shrikant Taral, Vidarbha President; Aam Admi Party; Dr Devendra Wankhede, Treasurer; Jagjit Singh, General Secretary; Jansurajya Party; Chandrabhan Ramteke, Rajesh Borkar of Bahujan Republican Socialist Party, Sunil Chokhare of Jambuvantrao Dhote Vichar Manch, Madhukar Nistane of Proutist Block India Party and Ranjana Mamarde were seated on the dais.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Newle said Vidarbha Nirman Mahamanch has been formed by all the parties and organisations supporting the cause of separate state of Vidarbha. As part of massive awareness drive, a meeting of Mahamanch workers of East Vidarbha will be held at Samvidhan Square at 1 pm on February 9, he said. Similarly, the meeting of workers from West Vidarbha will be held at Dnyneshwar Sanskrutik Sabhagriha, Amravati on February 14. BJP has betrayed the people of Vidarbha on the statehood demand, he said.
Dr Khandewale said the Vidarbha Nirman Mahamanch will have to contest the forthcoming elections ensuring defeat of Congress and the BJP. A strategy on the lines of Telangana will have to be formulated to achieve the goal, he said. Similarly, massive public awareness is also necessary, he stressed.
The other leaders also spoke on the occasion urging the pro-Vidarbha activists to charge up and garner the support of people of Vidarbha for the cause of separate state.