Proposal for creation of Bundelkhand state opposed in MP

The formation of Bundelkhand (besides Purvanchal, Avadh Pradesh and Pashchim Pradesh) proposed by Mayawati would create problems as some areas of this backward region fall in MP which will make the new state almost politically and economically non-viable.

During the State reorganisation done in 1956, Bundelkhand was divided into two parts one of which came to Madhya Pradesh and the other went to Uttar Pradesh.

Now after Mayawati's division speak, voices are being raised against it in MP region. The Bundelkhand Mitra Parishad has already begun a campaign against the proposed new State from Sagar which is the divisional headquarters of Madhya Pradesh's Bundelkhand.

According to Parishad Convenor Rajendra Silwani, Bundelkhand could not do well due to political reasons and if a new state was formed, it would always be forced to seek assistance from the Centre for its survival.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has already categorically stated that he was not in favour of formation of a separate Bundelkhand state.

Leaders of both Congress and BJP may not express their opposition to the formation of the Bundelkhand State openly but all of them have many fears about it.

The idea for a separate Bundelkhand state was first put in motion by Congress General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi when he became instrumental for the Bundelkhand package.

As it is, there are fears about the viability of the new Bundelkhand State, if at all it comes into existence.

Prior to this in 2000, Chhattisgarh was also carved out of Madhya Pradesh and this had in a sense led to the power crisis in the state as many power stations were located in Chhattisgarh.