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Regional parties band to demand smaller States

Special Correspondent

To contest Lok Sabha elections

LUCKNOW: The National Federation of Small States and the Indian National Front for New States have decided to forge a national alliance of regional parties to contest the next Lok Sabha elections, particularly in those areas where the demand for the creation of small States has gained momentum.

These parties, barring the Samajwadi Party, have supported the demand for the creation of States such as Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, Harit Pradesh, Telangana and Vidharba.

Trifurcation

Addressing a press conference here, convener of the front Raja Bundela lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for taking up with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh the issue of trifurcation of U.P. into Bundelkhand, Harit Pradesh and Purvanchal.

Big parties shying away

The front wanted Ms. Mayawati to send a resolution on this to the Centre. He accused national parties of shying away from regional movements.

Rally

A rally is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad on September 27, which would coincide with the launch of the Nav Telangana Party (NTP).

Stating that Telangana was bigger than 14 States in terms of geographical area, P. Niroop of the NTP said the people of the region had been let down by the UPA government and there was no hope from the BJP. Under these circumstances, there was no option but to look towards Ms. Mayawati.

Support for Mayawati

The NTP would support her if she facilitated the creation of Telangana after “becoming the Prime Minister,” Mr. Niroop added.

R.S. Tomar, a member of the front, said development was better in smaller States. He said the politicians were not serious in their efforts regarding the creation of small States.

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