Impact of Regionalism in Indian Politics

Submitted to:
Miss.Ayesha Rahman
(Faculty, Political Science)
On : 26 October 2013

Submitted by:
Ankush Usendi
Roll No. – 29
Section-C
Semester: III, B.A.-L.L.B. (Hons.)

Hidayatullah National Law University

Raipur (C.G.)

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 Acknowledgements
I feel highly elated to work on the topic “Regionalism in Indian Politics”.

I express my deepest regard and gratitude for our Faculty of Political Science Miss.Ayesha
Rahman. Her consistent supervision, constant inspiration and invaluable guidance have been of
immense help in understanding and carrying out the importance of the project report.

I would like to thank my family and friends without whose support and encouragement, this
project would not have been a reality.

I take this opportunity to also thank the University and the Vice Chancellor for providing
extensive database resources in the Library and through Internet.

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 Table of Contents
1. Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………….2
2. Table of contents………………………………………………………………. 3
3. Introduction…………………………………………………………………….4
4. Objectives………………………………………………………………………4
5. Hypothesis………………………………………………………………………5
6. Research methods and Data Base……………………………………………….5
7. Regionalism.........................................................................................................6
8. Types of Regionalism……………………..…………………………………….6
9. Development of Regionalism in India………………………………………......7
10. Its Impact on Indian Politics…..………………………………………………..9
11. Role of Regional Parties………………………………………………………..11
12. Telangana Issue……………………………………….………………………12
13. Measures for Correcting Regional Imbalance………………………………..15
14. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………...16
15. Bibliography……………………………………………………………… …..17
16. Websites used.......................................................................................................17

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Introduction

India is a large country having continental dimensions and comprising no fewer than 28 States
and 7 Union Territories. It is a multi-racial, multi-lingual nation. There are scores of regional
languages, various strains of culture and different loyalties, single as well as multiple. Amidst
the amazing diversities, it is natural that regional feelings, regional parties, regional institutions
and similar other organizations meant for voicing the aspirations of local people and providing
forums for them, should emerge. Indeed, with the passage of years, the multi-faceted
aspirations, which together may be described as regionalism, have gained strength.

It is not a new phenomenon. In fact, the fillip given to regionalism by the emergence of the
Telegu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh in 3982 has a historical continuity. The growth
of this trend can be traced back to the fast unto death by Potti Srivamulu over the demand for
the creation of Andhra Pradesh which set in motion the reorganization of State along linguistic
lines in 1956.

In principle, regionalism need not be regarded as an unhealthy or anti-national phenomenon—

unless it takes a militant, aggressive turn and encourages the growth of secessionist tendencies,
(as it did in Punjab during the past five years or so). National unity is not impaired if the people
of a region have a genuine pride in their language and culture. But regionalism develops into a
serious threat to national unity if politicians do not go beyond their regional loyalty and claim to
stand only for their regional interests if regionalism is to be regarded as an unhealthy
phenomenon, decentralization too would be objectionable, which of course it is not. So there is
nothing basically contradictory between nationalism and regionalism. Nor does the growth of
regional values and consolidation of regional forces as such pose a challenge to the central
administration of the country.

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Objectives
 To understand the concept of “Regionalism”.
 To study the effects of Regionalism.
 To analyse the factors responsible for the growth of regionalism.
 To discuss the problems raised by Regionalism.

Research Methodology
The research project is descriptive and analytic in nature. The research project is mainly based on
secondary sources which include books and web pages. I’ve used empirical methods in making this
project by referring to various books kept in the library.

These methods do not include field work and mainly depend on electronic resources. I owe my
chief source of inspiration to our respected faculty. The data base referred is not copied from ant
other source and is purely authentic and genuine.

Hypothesis
1. “Regionalism” begins when there is difference between two different states.
2. Regionalism has an impact on Politics as it is now a part of Vote bank.
3. It can Create or Destroy any Political Majority in the formation of Government.

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What is Regionalism ?
The term ‘regionalism’ has two connotations. In the negative sense, it implies excessive
attachment to one’s region is preference to the country or the state. In the positive sense it is a
political attribute associated with people’s love for their region, culture, language, etc. with a
view to maintain their independent identity. While positive regionalism is a welcome thing in so
far maintaining as it encourages the people to develop a sense of brotherhood and commonness
on the basis of common language, religion or historicalbackground. The negative sense
regionalism is a great threat to the unity and integrity of the country. In the Indian context
generally the term regionalism has been used in the negative sense.

The feeling of regionalism may arise either due to the continuous neglect of a particular area or
region by the ruling authorities or it may spring up as a result of increasing political awareness
of backward people that have been discriminated against. Quite often some political leaders
encourage the feeling of regionalism to maintain their hold over a particular area or group of
people.

Different forms of Regionalism

Regionalism in India has assumed various forms like:
(a) Demand for State Autonomy 1: Regionalism has often led to the demand by states for
greater autonomy from the center. Increasing interference by the Centre in the affairs of the
states has led to regional feelings. Demand for autonomy has also been raised by regions within
some states of the Indian federation.

(b) Secession from the Union: This is a dangerous form of regionalism. It emerges when states
demand separation from the Centre and try to establish an independent identity of their own.
Disputes between states over the sharing of river water, primacy given by the states to the
language of majority and to people of their own states in job opportunities have also given rise
to feelings of regionalism. Migration of people from backward state to a developed state for

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right of self-government

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employment opportunities have often resulted in a hostile attitude against the migrants for
example, problems going on in Karnataka and A.P.

Development of Regionalism in India

Regionalism is not a new phenomenon in the Indian political system. In the pre-independence
days it was promoted by the British imperialists and they deliberately encouraged the people of
various regions to think in terms of their region rather than the nation as a whole, with a view to
maintain their hold over India during the national movement. After Independence the leaders
tried to foster a feeling among the people that they belonged to one single nation. The framers
of the constitution sought to achieve this by introducing single citizenship for all. With the same
objective a unified2 judiciary, all Indian services, and a strong Central government was
provided. But in view of the vastness of the country andcultures regionalism soon made its
appearance in India.
The first manifestation of regionalism was the demand for reorganisation of states on linguistic
basis, but the most effective play of regionalism was the victory of the DMK against Congress
in Tamil Nadu in 1960s. Initially the central leadership felt that regionalism was a peripheral
political factor confined to Tamil Nadu and hence did not pose any threat to national unity.
However, that assessment was ill-founded. Soon in Punjab the Akali movement gained
momentum, while in Jammu and Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah revived the National Conference.
During these initial years all the Indian political parties continued to adjust with these regional
forces on the plea that they would ultimately succeed in making inroads into the bases of the
regional parties and absorb them in their organisations. The Indian National Congress which
enjoyed monopoly of power between 1947–1967 and followed a policy of blowing hot and cold
toward the regional forces, also contributed to the growth of regionalism in India. It
accommodated the regional forces when it was convenient and raised a hue and cry against
them when it was pitted against them. The local Congress leaders also encouraged the growth of
regionalism and strengthened their hold on local party organisation, with a view to increase
their bargaining power with the central leaders. In fact a close link developed between central

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become united

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and regional leadership. This close link between the central and regional leadership greatly
encouraged the growth of regionalism.

Causes for Growth of Regionalism in India

In India a number of factors have constituted to the growth of regionalism.

1. Regionalism made its appearance as a reaction against the efforts of the national government
to impose a particular ideology, language or cultural pattern on all people and groups. Thus the
States of South have resisted imposition of Hindi as official language because they feared this
would lead to dominance of the North. Similarly, in Assam anti-foreigner movement was
launched by the Assamese to preserve their own culture.

2. Continuous neglect of an area or region by the ruling parties and concentration of

administrative and political power has given rise to demand for decentralization of authority and
bifurcate of unilingual states. On occasions sons of soil theory has been put forth to promote the
interests of neglected groups or areas of the state.

3. The interaction between the forces of modernization 3 and mass participation have also largely
contributed to the growth of regionalism in India. As the country is still away from realising the
goal of a nation state, the various groups have failed to identify their group interests with
national interests, hence the feeling of regionalism has persisted.

4. The growing awareness among the people of backward areas that they are being
discriminated against has also promoted feeling of regionalism. The local political leaders have
fully exploited this factor and tried to feed the people with the idea that the Central Government
was deliberately trying to maintain regional imbalances by neglecting social and economic
development of certain areas.

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the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one’s behaviour or political opinions

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5. Cultural aspects
Minorities seek protection for their cultural values against deliberately hostile actions by the
majority in the fields of school and languages so much as the desire for protection against
deliberately hostile actions by the majority in the field and languages so much as the desire for
protection against the effects on their culture of natural, economic and social developments. The
ability to protect the cultural identity very much depends upon economic and political power.
This become important in India, because in view of scarce resources the conviction that
minorities are vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation and suppression by those who control
the state and its resources is easy to grow. The concentration of power at the centre, absence of
sound language policy and very ambivalent attitude towards secularism have continued fear
among linguistic and cultural groups that attempts were made to assimilate them in larger Hindi
culture.4

6. Political Factor: - In a sense, all regionalism is a form of politics, i.e. politics of natives. In
political sphere, regionalism is against centralization of power and administration. It stands for
more power and administration.5

Regionalism and its impact on Indian politics6

‘Regionalism ‘the word which is catching news for decades in Indian political arena.
Independence of India followed by state formation, but state formation had different aspects. So
movements with linguistics basis were on peak. Particularly Telugu, Marathi, Kannada speaking
populations were divided in two British Presidencies namely as ‘Bombay, Madras’ and some
rincely states like Mysore, Hyderabad and some provinces like Madhya Prant or central India.
Meanwhile staunch Gandhian Telugu leader Mr.Potti Sriramulu took fast un- to-death for
formation of Andhra Pradesh, which culminated to death of eminent leader resulting in
violence. Indian govt declared separated Andhra Pradesh as consequence of violence. Which
4
Retrieved from, http://www.nios.ac.in/srsec317newE/317EL20.pdf, Parties and Politics at 19:30 on October15,
2013.
5
Retrieved from, http://nos.org/317courseE/L-27%20COMMUNALISM%20AND%20REGIONALISM.pdf Community
and Regionalism, at 20:31 on October 15, 2013.
6
https://www.google.co.in/#q=regionalism+in+indian+politics+book&revid=1538187909

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raised hopes of Marathi population and ‘Sanyukta Maharashtra’7 movement became prominent.
SRC (state Reorganization Commission) was formed in 1956 to form states and language was
accepted as ground for consideration because it is more acceptable than other criteria like
geography, culture, economic.growth.etc.
Today why regionalism is peeping out of drum? Regionalism has become instrument to
mobilize masses under single umbrella by making sentimental and emotional appeals. We have
moved to make single state with different languages; hence regionalism is matter of concern.
Regionalism is based on language, culture and regional customs but not on religion. We should
search causes behind the growing regionalism. Main cause for it sense of underdeveloped or
totally undeveloped. Some regions are rich with natural resources but those are lacking in
development in terms of ‘inclusive development’ I would like to quote example of Chhota
Nagpur plateau. It has 98% coal deposits of India and still road network in area apart from
mining fields is in critical condition or one may say that there is room to make new roads. Same
fate ends with Rail network and wise should not talk about Airlines or Airports! Hence unrest
generated and that is. nurtured by regional leaders by making cry of injustice

Regionalism definitely impacts politics as days of collation govt and alliances 8 are taking place.
Regional demands become national demands, policies launched to satisfy regional demands and
generally those are extended to all pockets of country, hence national policies are now
dominated by regional demands. E.g. MSP given to sugarcane, it was helpful for farmers in
Maharashtra but it was implemented across all states resulting agitations of farmers belonging
to UP, Punjab and Haryana. Meanwhile it sowed seed of defection among ministers and
targeting to corresponding minister.
Some regional issues dominate on national issues, it was observed particularly in Babhli issue,
Kauvery water distribution dispute. However some regional leaders play politics of vote bank
based on language, culture, this is certainly against healthy democratic procedures. This always
leads to demand for separate state and it has observed that after creating small states only few
political leaders could run efficient govt, else alliances run govt which ultimately makes
administration machinery ineffective. Simultaneously, corruption among regional leaders is

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Collective Maharastra
8
a union or association formed for mutual benefit

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matter of concerns and due to political limitations central govt can’t probe in those matters or
‘enquiry drama’ is played at both levels.

Demand for reservations to local language speaking person arose, even govt passes the laws,
these are definitely contrary to employment references in globalization era. Now question crops
up what kind of workable force we are building? Language protecting laws are promulgated this
is certainly admirable deed, but sole motto behind act to threaten linguistic 9 minority, this is
ruining concept of welfare state.

Some regional issues are erupted on timely basis on the wake of elections just for vote bank
politics. E.g. Telangana issue. Developmental plans are implemented unevenly only regions to
which heavy weight leaders belongs are benefitted, hence unrest is generated among rest
regions.
Law and order is disturbed, agitations with massive violence take place ultimately govt is
compelled to take harsh steps; hence wrong signals are emitted about govt authorities.
So, concluding that regional politics is dominating national politics. We need to come up with
certain road map to overcome issue and strengthen democracy

Role of Regional Parties10

Though the regional parties operate within very limited area and pursue only limited objective,
they have played significant role both in the State as well as national politics. The regional
political parties formed governments in several states and tried to give concrete shape to their
policies and programmes. Some of the important regional parties which formed governments in
various states include National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, Telugu Desam in Andhra
Pradesh, Asom Gana Parishad in Assam; Maharasthrawadi Gomantak Party in Goa; Mizo
National Front in Mizoram; Sikkim Sangram Parishad in Sikkam; All Party Hill Leaders
Conference in Meghalaya and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in Haryana. Some of the
regional parties were also partners in the coalition governments formed in several States after
the fourth general elections of 1967. At the Centre also, of late the Regional Parties have been
able to play critical role in helping formation of Congress government. DMK, a regional party,
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relating to language
10
insightsonindia.com/tag/regionalism-in-india/ Regionalism in India

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supported Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s government after split in the party in 1969 and enabled her to
carry on government despite loss of majority in the Parliament. Telugu Desam was the pillar of
strengh for the United Front and later the National Democratic Alliance. The representatives of
the regional parties focus the attention of the Parliament on issues in their region and try to
influence the policies of the Government to promote their own interests.
But probably the greatest service rendered by the regional political parties is that they have
focused the attention of the people in remote areas on various political and economic issues and
contributed to their political awakening. Above all, the regional parties have been able to
impress on the national political parties that they cannot put up with their attitude of
indifference towards regional problems and have compelled them to take keen interest in the
resolution of their problems.
In short it can be said that the regional political parties have not only profoundly 11 influenced
the regional politics but also left tremendous impact on the national politics.

REGIONALISM IN ANDHRA PRADESH

(TELANGANA ISSUE)
Historical Background

Telangana was historically well known as a prosperous state. Telangana Region was erstwhile 12
Hyderabad State till 1956, ruled by the Asaf Jahi Nizam VII (Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur).
The state of Hyderabad was the largest of the princely states in pre-independence India, among
other 600 princely states. After Indian independence in 1947, the country was partitioned on
communal lines. The Nizam ruled over more than 16 million people of territory when the
British withdrew from the sub-continent in 1947. The Nizam refused to join either India or
Pakistan, preferring to form a separate kingdom within the British Commonwealth of nations,
but the proposal was rejected by the British government. Thousands of peasants in the entire

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great depth
12
former.

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state of Hyderabad revolted against the Nizam. The Communist Party of India leaders also
joined in fighting against the Nizam and Razakars. Since majority of the people of Hyderabad
State were Hindus and as the Hyderabad state was surrounded on all sides by Indian Territory,
the violence in Hyderabad state prompted the new Indian government to invade and annex
Hyderabad in 1948. Hyderabad state was liberated from Nizam on September 17, 1948, using
military force, in what was known as Operation Polo, led by Sri Sardar Vallabhai Patel and
made part of Indian Union and was a separate State during 1948-56. In 1952, the first legislative
Assembly elections were held wherein, Sri Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, was elected as the first
Chief Minister13 Ramulu undertook fast-unto-death in October, 1952, demanding that Madras be
made capital of the separate Andhra State. After 58 days of fasting, he passed away on
December 15, 1952. While taking out his funeral procession, violence broke out in several parts
of Madras and Andhra areas14

Reasons for Telangana to be a Separate State

There are many reasons for telangana to be a separate state:
1. Telangana was a separate state before 1956.
2. Telangana people want self-respect, self-governance and development, as the post-merger in
53 years, the area is under managed by Andhra and Rayalaseema Political leadership, and
systemically the Telangana economy is weakened and collapsed.
3. Though the language spoken is Telugu which is common, there is a cultural diversity.
4. In terms of total area, Telangana region is bigger than 18 states in India and 60 countries in
the world.
5. Since, last 5 decades, the Telangana movement is alive and people aspire to be in a separate
state.
6. Muslim community constitutes a major population in Telangana. In the erstwhile Hyderabad
state, about 40% of the employees were Muslims, and today, they are hardly 2 to 3 percent.
7. In united Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana weaker sections, minority, and women could not
have their voice heard and their problems are unattended.
13
Retrieved from, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telangana, at 10:21 on October 13, 2013.
14
Retrieved from, http://www.trendingtech.info/trending/oppressed-telangana / The Telangana Story, at 10:30 on
October 13, 2013

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Advantages of Separate Telangana Region
There are many advantages of separate telangana region:
1. Small States will give better benefits to the masses and help to create wealth as well as help
in nation development. There will be an end to exploitation of resources in Telangana Region,
and the resources can be fully utilized for the development of Telangana region.
3. This will generate an additional income of Rs.7800 Crore per annum on agriculture produce
and create more employment opportunities in the agriculture and allied sectors. Extra energy
produced can be utilized for agriculture and industry, without any power cuts in rural areas.
4. Job opportunities would be available for local people. This will generate income potential for
Telangana economy.
5. Students will have their increased opportunities and facilities for pursuing higher education
and career growth.
6. Special thrust can be given to Arts and Handicrafts units, and cottage industries for
promoting the Telangana culture.
7. Rural Electrification can become a reality with increased power generation Infrastructure in
the form of Roads, Buildings, and Railway network can be improvised.
8. Historical places can be improvised for attracting Tourism, and thereby more employment
opportunities in tourism and hospitality. Health, Sanitation and Public Utility services can be
given prominence.15

Measures for Correcting Regional Imbalance

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the state of being prominent.

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Regionalism has been an important aspect of Indian politics. Sometimes, it has posed threat to
the unity of the country. Hence it is necessary to take steps to reduce such tendencies.

(a) To promote even development of the hitherto neglected areas so that they feel a part of the
national mainstream.
(b) The central government must not interfere in the affairs of the State unless it is unavoidable
for national interest.
(c) Problems of people must be solved in a peaceful and constitutional manner. Politicians must
not be allowed to misuse the issue of regional demands.
(d) Except for issues of national importance, the states should be given freedom to run their own
affairs.
(e) Changes are necessary in the Central-State relations in favour of the states, and for
introducing a system of national education that would help people to overcome regional feelings
and develop an attachment towards the nation

Conclusion
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Regionalism means strong attachment to a particular region or a state as against the country as a
whole. This feeling arises either due to the continuous neglect of a particular area or because the
people of a particular region become politically aware and seek to fight perceived
discrimination. Regionalism is a problem because it threatens the unity and integrity of the
country.

The two prominent manifestations16 of regionalism are:

(a) Agitation17 for separate statehood. Examples, demand for Telengana, Bodo-land
(Assam), Gorkha land etc., and
(b) Secession from the Indian Union, for example – demand for Khalistan, demand for
Nagaland, etc.

We can say that creating a new state is definitely for the welfare of a group of people and also
for an individual.But its impact on politics shows that its now also a matter of vote bank,as we
see the best and the newest example of Regionalism for the vote bank is TELANGANA.

And we also saw that even small small regional parties contribute for the government in Centre
as we saw in the case of Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s government after split in the party in 1969.

Bibliography
16
symptom that clearly shows or embodies something.
17
concern about an issue

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Chandra, Ramesh and Ahmad S.I. Development and Regionalism : Anthropological, Ecological
and Psychological Perspective,2005

Fadia, B.L, Indian Government and Politics, Sahitya Bhavan Publications, Agra, 2012

Websites Referred

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/25/india-enters-era-of-regionalism/?_r=0
http://www.preservearticles.com/201103254700/regionalism-in-indiacauses-and-cures.html
http://sachinnewscomment.blogspot.in/2010/08/regionalism-and-its-impact-on-indian.html
http://saptarshinag1.blogspot.in/2009/07/regionalism-in-indian-politics.html
http://insightsonindia.com/tag/regionalism-in-india/
http://www.academia.edu/3251177/Regionalism_in_India
http://nos.org/317courseE/L-27%20COMMUNALISM%20AND%20REGIONALISM.pdf,

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