Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Rajbhar Revives Debate Over Dividing Uttar Pradesh
Om Prakash Rajbhar has suggested splitting Uttar Pradesh into four smaller states.
He says this could happen after India finishes a caste census.
The four proposed regions are Purvanchal, Awadh or Madhyanchal, Bundelkhand, and Paschim or Harit Pradesh.
Supporters say smaller states may be easier to govern.
They also say separate states could improve access to courts, hospitals, and development funds.
Opponents worry that the plan could divide people along demographic lines.
A similar proposal was approved by the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 2011 but was not taken forward.
Under the Constitution, Parliament would have to approve any division of the state.
Om Prakash Rajbhar said Uttar Pradesh could be divided into four states after the caste census.
The proposed regions are Purvanchal, Awadh Pradesh or Madhyanchal, Bundelkhand, and Paschim Pradesh or Harit Pradesh.
Rajbhar claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that a caste census would address concerns over 27% reservation.
Mayawati’s government passed a similar four-state resolution in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 2011, but it was not pursued.
The proposal has divided BJP allies, with Sanjay Nishad opposing it and Sanjeev Balyan supporting it.
- Who
- Om Prakash Rajbhar proposed dividing Uttar Pradesh; BJP allies Sanjay Nishad and Sanjeev Balyan expressed opposing views, while Rajbhar referred to Narendra Modi’s position.
- What
- A proposal to divide Uttar Pradesh into four states after a caste census has revived an older political debate.
- When
- Rajbhar made the latest remarks at an event on Sunday; similar proposals were made in 2011 and 1955.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Supporters say smaller states could improve administration, accountability, development, access to justice, and healthcare; opponents cite demographic and political concerns.
Supporters of Division
Opponents of Division
Governance and administration
Supporters of Division
Supporters argue that smaller states would be easier to administer and could improve public accountability and regional development.
Opponents of Division
Opponents say Uttar Pradesh is progressing and that existing development funds can address regional needs without dividing the state.
Public services
Supporters of Division
Sanjeev Balyan said four states could each develop a high court and an AIIMS, improving access to justice and medical treatment.
Opponents of Division
Sanjay Nishad opposed division based on what he called appeasement politics and warned it could create a region dominated by particular demographics.
Political and regional representation
Supporters of Division
Rajbhar supports a separate Purvanchal and said a Rajbhar could become its chief minister; supporters see statehood as a way to strengthen regional representation.
Opponents of Division
Opponents question dividing the state along demographic or political lines and argue that regional concerns can be handled within the existing state.
- Proposed regions
- Purvanchal; Awadh Pradesh or Madhyanchal; Bundelkhand; and Paschim Pradesh or Harit Pradesh.
- Latest claimant
- Om Prakash Rajbhar, whose party is allied with the ruling BJP.
- Caste census
- India’s caste census is being conducted in two phases and is likely to be completed by February 2027.
- Earlier resolution
- Mayawati’s government passed a resolution for four states in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 2011.
- Earlier proposal
- B. R. Ambedkar proposed dividing Uttar Pradesh into three smaller states in 1955.
- Current Assembly size
- Uttar Pradesh has 403 Assembly seats, the highest among Indian states.
- Constitutional process
- Under Article 3, Parliament must pass a state-reorganisation bill after its introduction on the President’s recommendation.