New Delhi: The UPA government’s plans to set up a second State Reorganisation Commission to consider the demands for smaller states are likely to run into the Left wall. The CPI(M), especially, is in no mood to even consider the proposal.

Party managers now feel that conceding the “emotive” demand of people in Vidharbha (Maharashtra), Telengana (Andhra Pradesh), and Bundelkhand, Harit Pradesh and Poorvanchal (Uttar Pradesh) may fetch electoral dividends for the Congress. Sources said external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee has recommended a second SRC.

At the behest of home minister Shivraj Patil, the home secretary prepared a note for the law ministry. But the CPI(M) could play spoiler. The CPI(M)-led West Bengal government had earlier with great difficulty put down a strong and violent demand for a separate “Gorkhaland” state in Darjeeling.

The party is also opposed to a separate Telengana state. Asked if the CPI(M) supported the move for a second SRC, polit bureau member Sitaram Yechury said he did not want to comment as there was no official proposal for a second SRC and that it was a suggestion of some Congress leaders only.

Sources said the CPI(M) had already communicated to the Congress leadership its reservations about a second SRC. Another reason the CPI(M) opposes the move is that it fears Maoists could get a boost, especially in Telengana. “The might of the state would be reduced in smaller states and it won’t be able to fight the Naxalites effectively. We have the example of Chhattisgrah and Jharkhand where the Maoists have been able to kill more policemen than in any other states,” said a party source.

Source : DNAIndia