Recently, the Supreme Court has expressed concern about political parties using regionalism and religion to gain votes, calling it as “dangerous as promoting communal divide in society“.

• The Supreme Court rejected a plea seeking the cancellation of AIMIM’s (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) registration.

Key Observations by the Supreme Court

• Regionalism as Dangerous as Communalism: Promoting regionalism is as dangerous as promoting communalism.
  • Both pose threats to unity and integrity of the nation.
• Many Parties at Fault: Court said several political parties promote caste, region, or religion-based appeals.
  • Cannot selectively target one political party.
  • Urged filing of a neutral, broader petition on electoral reforms.
• AIMIM Constitution Not Illegal: AIMIM’s focus on backward and minority communities is allowed under Article 15(4) & 16(4) of the Constitution.
  • Supporting Islamic education or welfare of Muslims is not unconstitutional per se.
  • But seeking votes based on religion or caste violates Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Constitutional Protection: If a religious law is protected by the Constitution, then parties can propagate it.
  • But misuse for electoral gains is prohibited.

About Regionalism

• Regionalism refers to the expression of a distinct identity within a specific geographical region, often linked to culture, language, religion, or economic interests. 
  • It is a socio-political phenomenon where people identify more strongly with their region than with the nation.
• Types: Regionalism can be either positive or negative:
  • Positive Regionalism: It emphasizes cultural preservation, socio-economic development, and autonomy while respecting national unity.
  • Negative Regionalism: It arises when regional demands or sentiments undermine national integration and promote secessionist movements, contributing to fragmentation or divisiveness.

Prominent Regional Movements in India

• Telangana Movement (2014): The demand for a separate state of Telangana was primarily driven by economic neglect, political marginalization, and cultural differences between Telangana and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
  • The movement culminated in the formation of Telangana as India’s 29th state in 2014.
• Gorkhaland Movement (West Bengal): The demand for Gorkhaland emerged from the Gorkha ethnic group in Darjeeling due to their distinct identity, cultural preservation, and grievances over underdevelopment.
• Bodo Movement (Assam): The Bodo ethnic group in Assam sought a separate state due to cultural and economic neglect by the state government. 
  • The Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF) initiated an insurgency in the late 1980s, demanding autonomy.
  • The movement culminated in the Bodo Peace Accord (2020), which led to the creation of a Bodo Autonomous Territorial Council and greater political representation for the community.
• Naga Insurgency (Nagaland): The demand for Naga independence began post-independence under the Naga National Council (NNC), citing ethnic, political, and cultural differences. Over the decades, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has waged an insurgency for a separate Naga state.
  • A framework agreement was signed in 2015, but full peace and resolution have not yet been achieved, though the movement continues under the Naga peace process.
• Mizo Movement (Mizoram): The Mizo National Front (MNF) demanded a separate state of Mizoram after years of ethnic and economic neglect by the central government. The insurgency intensified in the 1960s.
  • The Mizo Peace Accord of 1986 resulted in the formation of Mizoram as a full-fledged state, providing a model for integrating ethnic demands within the Union.
• Anti-Hindi Movement (Tamil Nadu): The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu opposed the imposition of Hindi as the official language of India, arguing it threatened the cultural identity and linguistic rights of Tamil speakers.

Forms of Regionalism in India

• Linguistic Regionalism: This form of regionalism arises from demands for the recognition and promotion of a particular language as the official or primary language in a region.
  • Maharashtra and Gujarat: Formation of states based on Marathi and Gujarati language in 1960.
• Ethnic and Cultural Regionalism: Focuses on the preservation and promotion of regional culture, traditions, customs, and practices.
  • Dravida Movement (Tamil Nadu): Opposition to the imposition of Hindi and promotion of Tamil identity.
• Ethnic Regionalism: This form of regionalism is based on ethnicity and demands for autonomy or separate statehood by ethnic groups with distinct identities.
  • Gorkhaland Movement (West Bengal): Gorkha people’s demand for a separate state in Darjeeling based on ethnic and cultural identity.
• Economic Regionalism: This form of regionalism arises when economic disparities between regions lead to demands for better resource allocation or autonomy to foster local development.
  • Vidarbha (Maharashtra) and Bundelkhand (Uttar Pradesh/Madhya Pradesh): Movements demanding better economic attention and statehood due to neglect.
• Secessionist Regionalism: A more extreme form where regions demand full independence or separation from the nation due to historical, cultural, or political grievances.
  • Naga Insurgency (Nagaland): Long-standing demand for independence or autonomy from the Indian state.
• Autonomy-Based Regionalism: Calls for more power and autonomy within the existing framework of the state without seeking full independence.
  • Assam and Meghalaya: Demand for more regional autonomy, particularly in governance and resource allocation.
• Intra-State Regionalism: Regionalism within a single state, where certain regions or districts demand more political or economic power.
  • Uttarakhand: The demand for the creation of a separate state due to the distinct geographical and cultural identity of the hilly region.
• Supra-State Regionalism: Regionalism that transcends state boundaries, where multiple regions or states come together based on shared interests, often to address common issues or demands.
  • Northeastern States: Regional cooperation among states like Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland to demand greater autonomy from the central government.

Causes of Regionalism in India

• Colonial Legacy: British policies like “Divide and Rule” led to the creation of separate provinces based on administrative convenience, which exacerbated regional identities. 
  • For instance, regions like Bengal and Punjab were partitioned, creating divisions along ethnic and cultural lines. 
• Economic Disparities: Regions like Telangana felt economically deprived compared to Coastal Andhra Pradesh, which had better industrial and agricultural development. 
  • This disparity led to the formation of Telangana in 2014. 
• Cultural and Linguistic Factors: Language played a central role in post-independence regional movements. 
  • The States Reorganization Act of 1956 created Andhra Pradesh for Telugu speakers and Maharashtra for Marathi speakers. 
  • These linguistic divisions fueled regional pride and further cemented linguistic regionalism. 
• Political Factors: The perceived centralized governance has led to calls for more political power at the state level. 
  • The creation of states like Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand in 2000 was driven by local political leaders capitalizing on grievances related to underdevelopment and central neglect.
• Geographical Isolation: The Northeast of India, with its difficult terrain and isolation from the rest of the country, has fostered a sense of separateness. 
  • The region’s ethnic diversity and distinct history contributed to separatist movements such as the Naga Insurgency and ULFA in Assam, which sought independence or greater autonomy.
• Ethnic and Religious Factors: Ethnic and religious identity plays a significant role in fueling regionalism. 
  • The Bodo movement in Assam sought to create a separate state for the Bodo ethnic group due to cultural and economic disparities. 
• Caste and Social Inequality: Caste politics in regions like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh has led to regional movements aimed at addressing social injustice.
  • For instance, the Non-Brahmin movement in Tamil Nadu led to the formation of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which focused on uplifting the backward castes. 
• Son of the Soil and Nativism: The Son of the Soil policy, particularly in Maharashtra and Assam, reflects regionalist sentiments where local people (native to the region) demand preferential treatment over migrants, leading to tensions. 

Impact of Regionalism

Positive Impact of Regionalism

• Cultural Preservation and Identity: Regionalism helps safeguard and promote the unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identities of a region.
  • The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu has promoted the Tamil language and culture, ensuring that Tamil identity remains integral to the state’s political and social life.
• Decentralized Governance and Local Representation: Regionalism encourages decentralization of power, ensuring local needs are addressed more effectively and giving people greater representation.
  • The creation of Telangana in 2014 resulted from economic and political neglect by the larger Andhra Pradesh region, allowing for more localized decision-making and improved governance.
• Economic Empowerment of Marginalized Regions: Regionalism often highlights the economic neglect of certain regions, leading to better resource allocation and targeted development.
  • The Chhattisgarh state was formed in 2000 to address the underdevelopment of the tribal regions in Madhya Pradesh, leading to enhanced focus on local infrastructure and welfare.
• Strengthening Federalism: Regionalism strengthens the federal system by advocating for state autonomy, promoting a more balanced distribution of powers between the center and states.
  • The formation of NITI Aayog has promoted cooperative federalism, enabling state governments to participate in decision-making, which addresses regional concerns effectively.
• Political Diversification and Representation: Regionalism has led to the rise of regional parties, ensuring that local issues are represented and reducing the dominance of national parties.
  • Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu are prominent regional parties that address local issues such as language, cultural preservation, and regional development.

Negative Impact of Regionalism

• Threat to National Unity: Extreme forms of regionalism can undermine national unity, leading to secessionist movements or separatist demands.
  • The Khalistan movement in Punjab and the Naga insurgency in the Northeast exemplify how regionalism can escalate into secessionist demands, challenging India’s territorial integrity.
• Political Instability: Regional demands for autonomy or statehood can result in political instability and disrupt governance at both the state and national levels.
  • The Bodoland movement in Assam and the Gorkhaland movement in West Bengal have caused recurring unrest, political instability, and violent protests.
• Economic Fragmentation: Regionalism can fragment the economy by prioritizing local development over national economic integration, leading to unequal growth.
  • The Vidarbha region’s demand for statehood highlights the economic disparity, as the region feels neglected by the wealthier parts of Maharashtra.
• Resource Allocation Conflicts: Regionalism can lead to disputes over shared resources, such as water, leading to tensions between states.
  • The Kaveri water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu illustrates how regionalism over water resources can strain inter-state relations and national governance.
• Discriminatory Nativism: “Son of the Soil” doctrine discriminates against migrants from other regions, violating Article 19.
  • Anti-North Indian stance in Maharashtra led to assaults on migrants, creating inter-regional hostility.
• Obstruction to National Policies: Regional assertions may block uniform implementation of national programs or laws.
  • States like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have often resisted central schemes like Hindi promotion or NEP, citing regional priorities.

Regionalism vs. Nationalism

Role of Regional Political Parties

• Political Representation: Regional parties ensure that local aspirations and grievances are represented in legislative bodies. For example, DMK (Tamil Nadu), TMC (West Bengal), and BJD (Odisha) have shaped regional governance significantly.
• Federal Balance: These parties check central dominance and strengthen cooperative federalism through coalition politics.
• Cultural Preservation: They promote regional languages, traditions, and identities, ensuring pluralism in national politics. Shiv Sena and DMK have prominently promoted Marathi and Tamil identities respectively.
• Development Focus: By highlighting regional backwardness (e.g., TRS in Telangana), they push for targeted schemes and state formation.
• Concerns: At times, they exploit regional sentiments for vote-bank politics, leading to polarization (as noted by the Supreme Court in the 2025 verdict on AIMIM and regional appeals in elections).

Constitutional Provisions Related to Regionalism

• Federal Structure:
  • Article 1: India is a “Union of States,” emphasizing unity while recognizing regional diversity.
  • Article 3: It empowers Parliament to alter the boundaries of states, merge them, or even create new states based on language, culture, or economic concerns.
  • 7th Schedule: Divides powers between the Union and States, balancing regional autonomy and national authority.
  • Article 19 protects citizens’ right to reside and settle in any part of India
• Special Provisions:
  • Article 370 and 371: Special status for regions like Jammu & Kashmir (revoked in 2019) and Northeast states to address unique regional needs.
  • 5th and 6th Schedules: Provisions for tribal areas and autonomous councils in Northeast to protect regional identities.

Key Supreme Court Cases Related to Regionalism

• State of Bihar v. Kameshwar Singh (1952): The Supreme Court ruled that while states within India have a right to manage their own affairs, such regional demands must not threaten national integrity. The Court emphasized the need for unity in diversity.
• Nagaraj v. Union of India (2006): The Court upheld the constitutional validity of caste-based reservations but stressed that such reservations must not disrupt national unity or promote divisiveness based on caste or region.
• S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): The Court held that the power of the President to dissolve state governments under Article 356 must not be misused to undermine regional autonomy and that such actions must comply with democratic principles.

Way Forward to Address Regionalism in India

• Strengthen Cooperative Federalism:  Promote genuine collaboration between the Centre and States in planning and policy execution.
• Ensure Equitable Regional Development: Bridge economic and infrastructural gaps through targeted schemes and balanced resource allocation.
• Constitutional Accommodation of Diversity: Use provisions like Article 3 and Article 371 to respect unique regional needs within the federal framework.
• Regulate Identity-Based Politics: Enforce electoral laws to prevent misuse of regional, linguistic, or religious identities during campaigns.
• Promote Cultural Pluralism: Recognize and celebrate India’s diverse cultures, languages, and traditions to build unity through diversity.
• Address Migration Concerns Sensitively: Balance locals’ aspirations with constitutional rights of free movement and equal opportunity.
• Encourage Responsible Role of Regional Parties: Promote regional parties’ constructive engagement in national governance and inclusive policymaking.

Conclusion

Regionalism in India is a double-edged sword. While it can empower local identities and strengthen federalism, unchecked regionalism—when driven by political opportunism or socio-economic neglect—can threaten national unity. A balanced, inclusive approach through constitutional accommodation and cooperative governance is essential.

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