In a sudden move UP Chief Minister, Ms Mayawati got the UP assembly to pass a resolution seeking to divide the state into 4 parts, namely Purvanchal, Paschim Pradesh, Bundelkhand and Awadh Pradesh. The reason, we are told, is that UP is too big with too many people to be governed from one center. Smaller states, it is argued, are easier to administer and resources tend to be used for local benefit instead of going to a far away government. Critics say that this is merely a gimmick to fox her opponents just before next year's state elections. Ms Mayawati is strong only in UP therefore, dividing it into 4 parts multiplies her chance of becoming chief minister in at least one of the smaller state. Better to be a chief minister of a few acres than to be in opposition and not have the chance to amass billions from " love and affection of followers ". Being chief minister also gives total control of police and lower judiciary. But the biggest advantage of such division for Ms Mayawati is that she will escape prosecution for misuse of public money for constructing statues of herself and her family. If UP is divided into 4 smaller states no particular state can claim to have been defrauded and by winning one state she can stop a concerted effort against her. Dividing UP into 4 sections is a very bad idea. All state governments consist of gangsters, thieves and low class goons and this just increases their numbers with as many thieving civil servants to loot the people. It will be best to get rid of state governments altogether. Divide the country into 700 districts, each with a small elected body to run local affairs. Civil servants and police will maintain honesty. Democracy.