Q. Regional politics plays its role in India. Explain. [68th BPSC]
Ans:
Regional politics plays a significant role in India due to the country’s diverse cultural, linguistic, and geographical landscape.
The role of regional politics in India
- Regional politics tend to focus on issues that are specific to their state or region, such as language rights, cultural preservation, and local development. In some states the regional politics has also facilitated the social mobility and justice e.g. BSP in U.P., Biju Janata Dal in Odisha.
- The protection of identity and regional pride: e.g.
- The TMC emphasizes the preservation and promotion of Bengali culture, language, and traditions.
- Shiv Sena, founded in 1966, primarily representing the interests of the Marathi-speaking population.
- Advocates for greater regional autonomy and has voiced opposition to policies perceived as infringing there linguistic, cultural and political rights.
- Influence on National Politics:
- The regional political parties aligning with other political parties or forming coalitions at the national level e.g. multiple religional political parties participated to form recent I.N.D.I.A.
- Similarly, Hindutva ideology of Shiv Sena was aligned to the broader national narrative since last three decades.
- Regional Development: e.g. TRS prioritizes the development of Telangana by advocating for infrastructure projects and socio-economic initiatives targeted at the region’s growth.
- Some regional politics has facilitated the emergence of regional leadership and a stable government. e.g. Biju Janata Dal in Odisha, Pawan Kumar Chamling of the Sikkim Democratic Front
- The regional politics has posed a challenge to the one-party dominant system in the country since 1967 general election. It ultimately resulted in dawn of era of Coalition government.
- The religional politics also have strong impact on the nature and course of centre-state relations and inter-state relation.
- Push for a fair distribution of resources and development projects to address the specific needs. e.g. demand for Special status for Bihar.
- Inter state boundary disputes between Assam and Mizoram, inter-state river water dispute between Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
- Made politics more competitive and popular participation in the political process. Widened the choice for voters in both the parliamentary and assembly elections. Also increased the political consciousness of the people and also their interest in politics.
- They bring into focus the original or indigenous issues which incontinently attract the attention of the millions.
Issues with the role of regional politics:
- Sometimes the regional politics seem to neglect the implications and consequences of their narrow approach to the resolution of national issues.
- Most of the regional political parties are formed based on caste, region, linguistic, tribalism etc identities. The sometime encourage regionalism, casteism, linguism, communalism and tribalism.
- Responsible for the un-resolution of the inter-state water disputes, inter-state border disputes.
- Indulged in corruption, nepotism, favouritism and other forms of mis utilisation of power.
- Focused more on the populist schemes and measures to expand and strengthen their electoral base.
In conclusion, regional politics in India is vital due to the country’s diverse and federal structure. It reflects the aspirations, concerns, and identities of various states and communities, making it a crucial factor in shaping India’s political landscape. ©crackingcivilservices.com
