Marathi lit summit president slams West Maharashtra leaders

Nashik: Dr Shripal Sabnis, the elected president of the 89th All India Marathi Literary Summit, on Saturday, called the leadership of Western Maharashtra 'selfish' and alleged that the politicians in this area have robbed resources released for the benefit and development of regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada.
Dr Sabnis was in Nashik to inaugurate the multi-lingual literary summit of translated literature, under way at Brahma Valley Educational Campus in city.
"The leaders in Western Maharashtra are responsible for the present condition of Vidarbha and Marathwada. I can understand why the residents of these regions are demanding a separate state but can't support their demand. Instead of a separate state, these regions should be given their long term dues," Dr Sabnis said.
The elected president of All India Marathi literary summit is elected by intellectuals from across the state and this position is considered to be a very prestigious one in Maharashtra. Dr Sabnis is senior literary critic who hails from Latur in Marathwada who has worked as Dean of Arts Stream at North Maharashtra University in Jalgaon.
According to Dr Sabnis, farmers' issues should be discussed by the intellectuals more often. "I was the first president of the Marathi literary summit who spoke about the plight of farmers in my official speech. I strongly believe that the foundation of our state could be strengthened only through better agriculture".