New state only when broad consensus in the parent state: govt

The government today said a new state can be created only when there is a broad consensus over it in the parent state as such a move has wide ramifications and direct bearing on the federal polity of the country.

"Creation of any new state has wide ramifications and direct bearing on the federal polity of our country. The government of India moves in the matter only when there is a broad consensus in the parent State," Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh told the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister said government takes a decision on the matter of formation of new states after taking into consideration all relevant factors.

"No further details can be indicated at this stage," he said.

Singh said demands and representations have been received from time to time from various individuals and organisations for creation of new states like Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra, Saurashtra in Gujarat, Coorg in Karnataka, Koshalanchal in Western Orissa, Gorkhaland in West Bengal, Mithilanchal in north Bihar and Eastern Nagaland from Nagaland.

Besides, he said, the government of Uttar Pradesh had on November 23, 2011 also forwarded to the central government the resolution passed by state Assembly on November 21, 2011 for the division of Uttar Pradesh in four smaller states viz Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Avadh Pradesh and Paschim Pradesh.