By IANS,
New Delhi: The central government Monday returned the proposal for division of Uttar Pradesh into four states as passed by the state assembly last month and sought clarifications on proposed capitals, boundaries and the debt burden involved.
“We have sent back UP’s proposal to divide the state and have sought reply on eight to nine questions,” Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh told reporters here.
The proposal sought creation of Awadh Pradesh, Poorvanchal, Budelkhand and Paschim Pradesh by splitting Uttar Pradesh.
The state is to have assembly elections next year.
Terming it as a political move by Chief Minister Mayawati, the Congress said the proposal is against national interest.
Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said: “The issue needs to be delinked with coming elections in the state and discussed in the national interest.”
“No thinking has gone behind UP’s proposal.”
Mayawati surprised the opposition parties last month by proposing division of Uttar Pradesh into four smaller states.