Uttar Pradesh as four states? How are states split, and what’s behind the demand in UP

Uttar Pradesh Minister and leader of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), Om Prakash Rajbhar, has suggested that the state may be split into four regions, with the Purvanchal area potentially receiving a "Rajbhar Chief Minister". Rajbhar made the claim during a public meeting in Ambedkarnagar district, stating that he had a "conversation" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who allegedly assured him that the state could be divided after the ongoing caste census.

While this news may have surprised many, UP BJP officials dismissed it as just election-time rhetoric. Rajbhar's proposal is not entirely new, as Mayawati, during her tenure as Chief Minister from 2007 to 2012, frequently called for the division of Uttar Pradesh. However, such a move would not make sense for current Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as it could negatively impact his political influence.

The process of dividing a state in India is regulated by Article 3 of the Indian constitution, which allows Parliament to form a new state through the separation of territory from existing states or by amalgamating two or more states or parts of states. This process requires the President's recommendation and, if the proposed changes affect the area, boundaries, or name of any state, the state legislature must express its views within a specified time frame.

The demand for UP's division arose from the belief that smaller states would lead to better governance and make administration and development more manageable. However, the BJP and Yogi Adityanath have opposed this idea, as the state's vast size, central location, and significant influence on Hindu cultural and political matters make it crucial for national political stability.

Thus, Rajbhar's claim seems to be more of a pre-election strategy to boost his party's cadres rather than a potential reality for Uttar Pradesh.