Promise of Reason

Regions included: Nagpur, Amravati division of Maharashtra and half Jabalpur division of MP

Population (2011): 2.5 crores

Area: 100000 sq KM

Note: Demand for Vidarbha state is a long standing one. This region has been left out of growth story of Maharashtra and desperately need a smaller state to stop all those farmers’ suicide

Regions included: Current Jharkhand, Purulia (WB), Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj, Kyonjhar of Odisha

Population (2011): 5 crores

Area: 75000 sq KM

Note: Jharkhand was formed by bifurcating the Bihar, but the other tribal areas in West Bengal and Odisha were not included due to lack of political consensus. This temporary arrangement should be turned in a permanent one by forming, what some call as greater Jharkhand

Regions included: Patna, Vaishali, Mujaffarpur, Jahanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Jamui, Banka, Bhagalpur, Munger, Luckeesari, Shekhpura districts of Bihar

Population (2011): 4.5 crores

Area: 35000 sq KM

Note: Maghi speaking regions of Bihar in the central region are quite different from the Maithili and Angika speaking region of north-eastern Bihar. This area makes a compelling case for a smaller state.

Regions included: Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Ararai, Kishenganj, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria districts of bihar

Population (2011): 3.5 crores

Area: 40000 sq KM

Note: Maithili is a language spoken by people of north-eastern Bihar and some districts in Nepal. This area has a distinct identity throughout the history. Even Indian constitution recognize Maithili. Angika is another language spoken in this area. But number of speakers of Angika are too small to form a viable state. So in my opinion a state out of Maithili and Angika speaking regions should be formed.

Regions included: Basti, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Mirzapur (except Sonbhadra district) divisions of UP and Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Bhabhua, Buxar districts of Bihar

Population (2011): 9 crores

Area: 85000 sq KM

Note: Bhojpuri is a distinct culture and language. This area is grossly under-developed and need attention of policy makers of our country. A separate state will solve the problem of identity and development.