Mayawati’s smaller states demand ‘political stunt’: Congress

ALLAHABAD - Terming Chief Minister Mayawati’s demand of carving out smaller states out of Uttar Pradesh as a “political stunt”, the Congress Monday claimed her main motive was to divert the attention of the masses from her “corrupt practices”.

“Mayawati wants to shift attention of the public from her corrupt practices, particularly misuse of funds to the tune of crores of rupees in the name of setting up parks, memorials and installing statues,” state Congress legislature party leader Pramod Tiwari told reporters here.

“Doesn’t Mayawati know that for creation of smaller states out of Uttar Pradesh, she needs to bring the matter in the assembly and pass the necessary resolutions? If she is so serious, why is she hesitant to take up the issue in the assembly? She (Mayawati) should know very well that creation of states cannot take place merely by writing letters to the prime minister,” he added.

After her demand for trifurcation of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Mayawati has now sought further division of the state to carve out Purvanchal on the state’s eastern districts.