The Indian government has begun the process of creating two new states in the country.

Bills to establish the states of Uttaranchal, from Uttar Pradesh in the north, and Chahatisgarh from the central state of Madya Pradesh, were passed despite protests by several members.

A regional party, the Akali Dal, had threatened to withdraw support from the federal government if the district of Udham-Singh-Nagar is included in Uttaranchal.

Parliament deferred another bill to create a third new state after strong protests by the opposition, but this will be reintroduced tomorrow Wednesday.