Promise of Reason

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.

Regions included: Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad, Devipatan, Faizabad divisions of UP

Population (2011): 6 crores

Area: 70000 sq KM

Note: Awadh region of UP has a rich culture and traditionally it has been a separate state for centuries. Only after British random reorganization it lost its identity. It is apt time to put things in its perspective. Some argue that Allahabad should be in bhojpuri speaking state rather than awadh. Jury is still out on that issue.

Regions included: Agra, Aligarh, Meerut, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareily divisions of UP

Population (2011): 6 crores

Area: 65000 sq KM

Note: This proposed state should include the braj speaking districts and Rohilkhand. It is a prosperous region waiting for its tipping point towards an era of development. Remaining in UP has pulled it down. The name of the proposed state can be debated.