Will Uttar Pradesh be Divided Now? Politics Heats Up! Former Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan Says it's Necessary for Development

LUCKNOW — The debate over the division of Uttar Pradesh has reignited, with former Union Minister Dr. Sanjeev Balyan making a bold statement in favor of splitting the state. Balyan emphasized that smaller states are the need of the hour, arguing that a division of Uttar Pradesh would strengthen the position of farmers in Western UP. His remarks came during a seminar organized by the Western Pradesh Nirman Sanyukt Morcha on Sunday, where he voiced his support for the creation of a separate state to boost regional development.

Balyan believes that the division of Uttar Pradesh is essential for progress, stating that "if the public stands up for it, the demand will be fulfilled." His comments have stirred political debate in the state, which has long grappled with calls for creating smaller, more manageable regions.

Support from Other Leaders

Baghpat MP Dr. Rajkumar Sangwan, who was also present at the seminar, expressed similar sentiments, supporting the demand for a separate state. Sangwan highlighted that the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has always been an advocate of smaller states, which, according to him, are easier to govern and develop. "Uttar Pradesh is not just a large state; it’s akin to a country in terms of size and population," Sangwan remarked, underscoring the challenges of managing a state with a population of over 250 million.

Challenges in Governance and Justice

Jagdish, district president of the Morcha, and Colonel Sudhir Kumar further pointed out the administrative challenges that arise due to the size of the state. With the state capital in Lucknow and the High Court in Prayagraj, residents of Western Uttar Pradesh often face significant difficulties in accessing justice. They revealed that over 500,000 cases from the region are pending in the High Court, a problem they argue could be alleviated with a smaller, more locally governed state.

Historical Context

The idea of splitting Uttar Pradesh is not new. During the tenure of former Chief Minister Mayawati, a detailed project report (DPR) on dividing the state was prepared. However, the plan was never implemented due to technical issues and the lack of sufficient support in the assembly.

The Western Pradesh Nirman Sanyukt Morcha continues to raise awareness on this issue through seminars and public outreach, seeking to gather support for the division of the state. As political tensions mount, the conversation around the possible split of Uttar Pradesh is once again gaining momentum.