A key member of the governing coalition in India has threatened to withdraw its support unless a decision to create a new state in the north of the country is reviewed.

The Shiromani Akali Dal party which governs the northernstate of Punjab, is objecting to the decision to include a Sikh-dominated area in a newadministrative region which is to be carved out of the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.

The move is opposed by the Sikhs who are to be part of the new state.

The BBC Delhi correspondent says observers believe the prime minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, will try hard to maintain the support of his Punjabi allies.