Global Campuses Head to Mumbai, Vidarbha Left Watching, Say Statehood Activists
The Maharashtra govt's decision to welcome institutions like Aberdeen University, University of York, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), who have expressed interest in setting up their campuses in Navi Mumbai, has sparked criticism from Vidarbha leaders. They claim the eastern region is being reduced to a spectator in the state's development narrative.
Speaking to TOI, statehood supporters argue that premier institutions could have been set up in Nagpur or Amravati, cities that not only have space but also the potential to transform into knowledge hubs. Instead, Navi Mumbai continues to be the focal point of investment and policy attention, leaving Vidarbha sidelined.
Former MLA Wamanrao Chatap criticised the govt, calling them 'anti-Vidarbha', and claimed that the decision to prioritise Navi Mumbai is politically motivated.
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"This is being done to keep alliance partners happy and the govt in power," he alleged, targeting the chief minister for 'compromising Vidarbha's interests'.
Atharv Kothekar, senior digital marketing manager at the Association for Industrial Development (AID), echoed similar sentiments. "Vidarbha lies at the centre of India and has immense logistical value, but it is consistently left out of major policy decisions," he said.
Despite institutions like AIIMS and IIM existing in Nagpur, they are rarely highlighted in development narratives.
Kothekar added that inadequate infrastructure — including limited international air connectivity — and a Mumbai-focused model of development are keeping Vidarbha from progressing. "Mumbai is saturated with educational institutions and companies too. It's time we build an ecosystem in Vidarbha, starting with investment in basic infrastructure," he said.
Another expert on the topic, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the state govt is diverting already strained resources to Mumbai and western Maharashtra. "There is no political will to support Vidarbha. Even with 62 MLAs from this region, the power still lies in the hands of leaders from western parts of the state," he said.
He added that local initiatives like Symbiosis College in Nagpur have proven doubters wrong, showing that the people are ready — it is only the govt that lacks intent. "This imbalance only reaffirms our demand for a separate Vidarbha. Without statehood, these aspirations will never materialise," he said.
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