New Delhi, December 14: In the wake of numerous demands emerging for separate statehood from parts of the country, BJP today called for a meeting of all political parties to decide on creation of smaller states.
“There should be a meeting of all political parties to decide on the issue of creation of smaller states,” senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar told reporters outside Parliament.
Reacting to UP Chief Minister Mayawati’s letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking trifurcation of the state, Katiyar said any decision taken in haste is bound to have its repercussion on other states. So, all political parties should sit together and decide on the issue which can be applicable to all states.”
He said all possible factors including the issue of culture, administrative reasons, geographical condition, should be taken into account before deciding on the issue.
However, National Conference has made it clear that the party is opposed to creation of smaller states.
“I am against creation of smaller states. How much you can divide India,” NC leader Farooq Abdullah said.
Meanwhile, Andhra Congress
MP Hanumanth Rao, who is a known supporter of Telengana state, said “we have left it to our party high command to decide.”
Pressed further on the issue, Rao simply said “when we have waited for 40 years, we can wait for some more time.”
—Agencies