PATNA, March 8 -- Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai on Saturday dismissed speculations that some districts of Bihar and Bengal would be merged to create a new Union Territory (UT). The debate over creating a new UT comprising Seemanchal and parts of West Bengal intensified following the recent visit of union home minister Amit Shah to Bihar.

Shah spent three days in Seemanchal to review security in view of the area's strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders.

Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, there were also speculations linking it with polls, though there has been no official announcement in this regard from the government. A new UT can be created only through an Act of Parliament w...