4.1. Demand for New States - Is it a Threat to the Unity of the Nation?

Ramachandra Guha argues that the creation of linguistic states has safeguarded the unity of India. Pakistan was divided, and Sri Lanka subject to protracted Civil War, because Bengali speakers in the former and Tamil speakers in the latter case were denied the autonomy and dignity they wanted and deserved. On the other hand, the fact that in India citizens were free to educate and administer themselves in their own language has created a feeling of comfort and security.

Eminent scholars and other many are of the view that linguistic states were necessary in the

early stages of Indian independence, but now it may be time for a further reorganisation of states. The proponents of Vidharbha and Gorkhaland also have a robust case like Telangana. Their regions are well defined in an ecological and cultural sense, and have historically been neglected by the more powerful or richer part of the states.

After 65 years of Independence, there need no longer be any fear about the unity of India. The country is not about to Balkanise(break up). The real problems in India today have to do with the quality of governance. Smaller states may be one way to address the problem.