He further said that if the Congress introduces such a resolution in the state assembly, the BJP will stand by it. Datke, while addressing media persons here on Thursday, minced no words while saying that the Congressmen did not ever work seriously for the demand and are making a issue of it only after winning the elections in the region.

On the other hand, he said, the BJP has passed a resolution on a separate Vidarbha in its national executive meeting held at Bhubaneshwar and also in its state executive. He dared the Congress to pass a resolution on the issue atleast in its state executive, making a reference that Sharad Pawar, senior Congress leader is opposed to the formation of aseparate Vidarbha. He also came down heavily on Vilas Muttenwar, MP, saying that the latter did not do anything about the issue when he was minister and member of the state executive.

Some efforts made by Datta Meghe, did not bear any fruit either, he added. He also said Muttemwar should not hinder the developmental process going on in the region.

The district unit president of BJP said the party has even included the issue in its election manifesto, but it had to give up the demand of its inclusion in the national agenda, due to the opposition of Shiv-Sena, its ally in state, in the matter. ``That does not mean we have given up the demand,'' Datke asserted.

While saying that the party cannot agitate against its own government in the state for the issue, Datke added that he will surely take up the issue with the district guardian minister and other senior party leaders in the state.

Defending the decision of Chief Minister Manohar Joshi of announcing a grant of Rs 112 crore for the farmers ofVidarbha, Datke said atleast the State Government distributed grants of Rs 75 lakh before the announcement. He said that he was satisfied with the announcement of the Chief Minister.