“The demand for a separate Poorvanchal state is a genuine one. I fully support it and it will certainly see the light,” Lalu said on Thursday.

Addressing a massive workers’ conference in Lucknow on October 9, Mayawati had clearly stated that the “BSP was always in favour of small states — Harit Pradesh, Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal”.

“If the Centre brings up a proposal for further bifurcation of Uttar Pradesh, the BSP-led UP government will convene a special session of assembly and get it passed,” she had said.

Lalu said that he was happy that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati favoured the formation and assured that if she makes a recommendation, he will try to influence leaders at the Centre.

“For carving out separate states, the concerned state should first send a recommendation to the Centre. Chief Minister Mayawati should do that as soon as possible. I am sure the Centre will approve it,” the minister said.

Highlighting the need for a Poorvanchal state, the RJD chief said that population living in the eastern part of UP were deprived of basic privileges and need special attention to address their problems.

Lalu belongs to Gopalganj district of Bihar, which borders east Uttar Pradesh.

Sources said that by supporting the demand for a separate Poorvanchal state, he will be eyeing political dividends in the region ahead of the mid-term polls.

Meanwhile, BJP national president Rajnath Singh said that an all-party meeting should be called on this issue. He was replying to a questing during his visit to the state capital.