VJC was launched on 9 September 2002 by a former Member of Parliament Jambuwantrao Dhote.
The party was formed to demand statehood for the Vidarbha region separate from Maharashtra.
The party's constitution, was released at Sewagram on 2 October, had a special provision which allowed politicians of all hues to join up without quitting their original parties.
After its launch, the VJC held a public rally at Chitnavis Park on 23 January, and took a vow to fight for Vidarbha.
A rathyatra was taken out in the region to "awaken" people, followed by a Nagpur-Delhi march.