Congress in a bind over dividing UP into smaller states

Even as it struggles to find a way out of the impasse created by the demand for a separate Telangana state to be carved out from Andhra Pradesh, the Congress has been forced to take a position on the issue of smaller states to be created from the most populous Uttar Pradesh.

The pitch has been queered by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati who has put forth a proposal to create four states out of the existing monolith. Ahead of the 2012 state assembly elections, she has announced her plans to go for a four-way division of the state.

While the Uttar Pradesh state unit has supported the idea, and even party general secretary Digvijay Singh has backed it with a warning that there should be no politics around it, the central leadership can ill afford such a clear stance.

“We feel these are complex and sensitive issues, and there should be a commission for examining all aspects before a decision is taken,” said party spokesperson Rashid Alvi.

But the Congress dilemma over the situation is underscored by the fact that having virtually recommended the formation of second States Reorganisation Commission, Alvi steadfastly refused to clarify any further. “I have nothing to add on this issue,” he said, but added, “Telangana is an exception.”

“With Rahul Gandhi’s open advocacy for a separate Bundelkhand, the Congress has to support the idea that smaller states have to be carved out from Uttar Pradesh, but with Telangana on the boil the party cannot take a clear stand on the issue,” said a senior party  functionary.

Either way, even the idea of a second SRC is not seen as much of a viable political option, as it has been on the table for quite sometime with virtually no takers, at least in the context of the Telangana demand.