NEW DELHI, Aug 11: Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, said the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's announcement about the creation of Purvanchal state was a national commitment, and it should not not take long to fulfill this.

The speaker was responding to a mention made during zero hour by Manavendra Shah (BJP), and supported by leader of the opposition Atal Behari Vajpayee, both of whom said that Deve Gowda had made the announcement from the ramparts of the Red Fort, and all parties had agreed on this, but the matter was being delayed without any reason.

Both Shah and Vajpayee wanted the speaker to give a direction to the government so that there is no further delay. Vajpayee pointed out that an agitation had been launched by people in the region. Both members also felt that there was no need to send the Bill to the State for its approval.

Sangma's comment was greeted by thumping of desks. The area has seen a sustained peoples' movement demanding separate statehood.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.