The assembly in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has passed a resolution which seeks to divide the state into four smaller ones.
The resolution was passed amid protests from several opposition parties. It was first proposed last week.
The BBC reports the resolution now has to be passed by the Indian parliament, which could take months, or even years.
India already has 28 states and Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest. Its 200 million people live in 75 districts.
Chief Minister Mayawati proposes splitting the state into four called Avadh Pradesh, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand and Paschim Pradesh.
If that were to happen, Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats in the parliament, would lose its pre-eminent political status.
Ms Mayawati says the decision to divide the state has been taken because of popular demand.
Analysts say it will be difficult for the federal government to concede to the demand as it is already facing protests over demands for the formation of a new state of Telangana in Andhra Pradesh.
With a population of 40 million, the proposed Telangana state includes the state capital, Hyderabad, India's sixth most populous city.
