NAGPUR, Aug 15: The Sena-BJP alliance government's announcement to carve out Washim district has not only come as fulfilment of the election promise given by the Sena supremo but also as a welcome step to correct the wrong done to the town. With the formation of Washim, the number of districts in Vidarbha will go up to 10. The new district will have a population of nearly 10.50 lakh and about 1120 villages in Washim, Mangrulpir, Karanja, Malegaon, Risod and Manora tehsils included in it.

The area enjoyed eminence when Vakataka dynasty was ruling, and Washim (then known as Vatsagulma) was the seat of power. The town with Hemmad-style temples constructed in and around it, continued to enjoy prominence amidst rise and fall of dynasties, ascent of Mughals and even the arrival British Raj. It was an important town with the officers of the rank of Deputy Commissioner presiding over its destiny. Top officials of district administration and police used to stay there for some specific period every year.

What caused harm to its status was a decision taken early this century to reorganise the region to the west of Wardha river, which was then known as Berar region. Washim lost its district status and was included as a tehsil in Akola district. It was followed by shifting of major offices and courts to Akola, causing resentment among the people. Lack of proper rail and road connection was stated to be the main reason behind the bureaucratic decision to shift major offices from Washim.

The expectations of people of Washim were raised again when reorganisation of states was the hot topic in 1950's and early 60's. But with the emotive issue of formation of a single state of Marathi speaking people, the question of small units for administrative convenience was sidelined. In the last 35 years, the demand to restore district status to Washim was raised several times. At least on two occasions, the State Government had come close to taking decision to carve out a separate district with Washim as its headquarters. But on both occasions, it was stayed because of a controversy with a section of political leaders demanding that Pusad and Umarkhed tehsils in Yavatmal district should also be included in the new district and Pusad town should have the status of district headquarters.

The issue was taken out of cold storage by the Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray during the campaign for Lok sabha elections in 1996 and then again just before the polls to local bodies. It helped the Sena to bag Washim Lok Sabha seat and win a few seats in Akola zilla parishad. But people of these areas are far from enthused by the announcement. The bitter experience of the past has made it difficult for them to believe that the announcement will come true soon.

In other parts of the district, there was a mixed reaction with a section of political leaders alleging that it was a politically motivated move. It will hit the alliance opponents, who control the Akola ZP, which will stand dissolved after bifurcation. The decision gives fresh impetus to the demand for bifurcation of Yavatmal and Amravati districts and Bhandara in eastern Vidarbha.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.