Identify the incorrect pair of State and Demand for new State therein

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

**The correct option is 1: Uttar Pradesh - Kosal.**

This option is the incorrect pair because the demand for the new state of **Kosal** is generally associated with the western and central parts of **Odisha**, not Uttar Pradesh. The movement aims to create a separate state based on the Kosali language and cultural identity, covering districts like Sambalpur, Sonepur, Balangir, Bargarh, and others in the Western Odisha region, which is historically and culturally distinct from Coastal Odisha. Therefore, pairing the demand for Kosal with Uttar Pradesh is factually inaccurate in the context of persistent and recognized statehood movements in India, making this the "incorrect pair" sought by the question. Uttar Pradesh, in contrast, has had demands for states like Bundelkhand, Purvanchal, and Harit Pradesh (or Paschim Pradesh). The fact that this pair is incorrect makes it the correct choice for an "Identify the incorrect statement" type of question.

The incorrect option is 2: West Bengal - Kamtapur:

This is a correct pairing of a state and a demand for a new state within it, and therefore it is an incorrect answer to the MCQ. The demand for **Kamtapur** is a significant and long-standing movement primarily centred in the northern districts of **West Bengal**, such as Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling, and also parts of adjacent Assam. The movement advocates for a separate state for the Koch-Rajbongshi people, based on cultural and linguistic claims, and is distinct from the Gorkhaland movement, although they sometimes overlap geographically. Since this pair is correct, it cannot be the answer to the question "Identify the incorrect pair."

The incorrect option is 3: Bihar-Mithilanchal:

This is also a correct pairing of a state and a demand for a new state, making it an incorrect answer to the MCQ. The demand for **Mithilanchal** (or Mithila) is centred in the Maithili-speaking region of northern **Bihar**. Proponents argue for a separate state based on the distinct Mithila culture, language (Maithili), and perceived regional neglect. This area has a strong historical and cultural identity that transcends the current administrative boundaries of Bihar. As this pairing is factually accurate, it must be rejected as the incorrect pair.

The incorrect option is 4: Gujarat - Saurashtra:

This pairing is correct because there is a historical and contemporary demand for the separate state of **Saurashtra**, comprising the Saurashtra region of **Gujarat**, which includes major cities like Rajkot and Jamnagar. The region was a separate state/union of states before the reorganisation of states in 1956, and while the movement is currently less potent than some others, the demand exists, rooted in issues of regional identity, water scarcity, and lack of development parity compared to the mainland Gujarat region. Since the demand for Saurashtra is indeed related to the state of Gujarat, this option is a correct pairing and thus an incorrect selection for the MCQ.