The so-called ‘master stroke' of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati (“Division games,” Nov.21), with an eye on the upcoming elections, has initiated the debate on the need for a Second State Reorganisation Commission. The proposal to split the State into four States, citing administrative reasons, is unacceptable. The capability to administer and reach out to all citizens depends not on the size of a State but the proper implementation of welfare policies.
In the short term, Ms Mayawati's move will divert attention from poor governance and, in the long term, it will set a precedent for the State governments or vested interests to carve out smaller States.
Pavitra Kumar Dubey,
Pratapgarh, U.P.
With elections in U.P. round the corner, political parties were only expected to do something to win at all costs. But Ms Mayawati's move to split the State is the most harmful of all political moves. It is certainly not a step in the direction of strengthening unity and national integration for which our freedom fighters and leaders fought.
S.P. Sharma,
Mumbai
The Mauryas, the Guptas and the Mughals are examples of rulers who governed huge kingdoms. Although they were not flawless, they succeeded in fulfilling their administrative duties without any information and communication technology and transportation facilities.
Our inability to govern a comparatively less area equitably — in the ultra-modern 21st century with state-of-the-art facilities — only shows we have not made any headway from the Mughal era.
P.M. Subair,
Malappuram
As the tamasha and political jugglery is played out in U.P., people wonder whether small States will work unless the existing socio-economic structure gives way to a radical social order and an equitable economic system. As long as people have a fondness for caste-based and communal politics, the quality of governance is not going to change. If, in Telangana, where the movement for statehood has permeated the length and breadth of the region — with people more emotionally connected to the cause — the preponderance of caste continues and crony capitalism is not ruled out after its separation, one can imagine the fate of U.P., which has been a bastion of caste politics.
V. Viswanath,
Kurnool
Ms Mayawati's latest move is obviously aimed at political mileage. The idea of splitting a State doesn't come out of the blue to someone after four years. But the move will do little to help her overcome the mess she has created in U.P. in the name of beautification. It is for the people to resist getting carried away.
Janga Bahadur Sunuwar,
Jalpaiguri
