Regionalism in the contemporary world is characterised by loyalties to a specific region of origin. It involves asserting regional identity and demands for special privileges as a remedy for past neglect or deprivation.

Characteristics of Regionalism

• Regionalism arises from disparities in the economic, social, political, and cultural aspects between regions.
• Regionalism can be driven by emotional and psychological factors.
• Regionalism is based on the expression of group identity and loyalty to a specific region.
• Regionalism prioritises the development of one's own region without considering the interests of other regions.
• Regionalism restricts the benefits of a particular region to people from outside that region.
  

Types of Regionalism

• Supra-State Regionalism: Supra-state regionalism involves shared interests among people residing in multiple states, working towards promoting regional autonomy and local agendas. It suggests that a larger state with common interests has higher chances of success than smaller states.
  • g., North Eastern states in India.
• Inter-State Regionalism: Inter-state regionalism creates divisions among two or more states, often due to territorial and identity-related factors. It can undermine the interests of certain groups within the states involved.
  • g., Disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the distribution of Kaveri water.
• Intra-State Regionalism: Intra-state regionalism emerges when a specific region or state seeks autonomy, self-identity, and self-reliance. It can be seen as a positive form of regionalism as it promotes self-dependence for the region.
  • g., Saurashtra in Gujarat, East U.P. in Uttar Pradesh, Vidarbha in Maharashtra etc.
    

Types of Regional Movements

• Secessionism: Secessionist movements involve fundamentalist groups advocating for separatism and the formation of separate entities.
  • g., The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isac Muivah) and Islamic fundamentalist groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Separatism: Separatist movements demand the creation of separate states.
  • g., The formation of Telangana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and others.
• Demand for Full Statehood: This type of movement arises from Union territories seeking full statehood, such as the case of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
  • Such demands are generally accepted, as seen with Arunachal Pradesh (former NEFA) and Sikkim.
• Demand for Autonomy: The demand for autonomy arises due to excessive central political interference, gaining strength since the 1960s.
• Demand for Regional Autonomy within a State: In this type of movement, people from a specific region demand recognition based on their regional identities within a larger state.
• Son of Soil theory: It connects individuals to their place of birth, granting them specific privileges and responsibilities. It is evident in movements like Shiv Sena's defence of Maharashtrians and conflicts between Bodos and Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam.

Factors responsible for Rise of Regionalism

Impact of Regionalism in India

Positive Impacts of Regionalism

• Decentralized Governance due to creation of Smaller States
  • For instance: The creation of smaller states like Telangana and Uttarakhand required the establishment of new administrative structures to govern these regions effectively.

• Emergence of New Regional Political Parties: The rise of new regional political parties, such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), driven by regionalism, advocating for separate regions or states.

• Focus on Specific Regional Problems:The formation of regional parties provides an opportunity to address and prioritise region-specific issues and challenges.

• Example: The Shiv Sena in Maharashtra emerged to address the concerns of Marathi-speaking people, particularly related to job opportunities and cultural preservation.

• Linguistic and Cultural Preservation:
  • Regionalism can contribute to the preservation and promotion of regional languages, cultures, and traditions, allowing for the diversification of cultural fabric.
  • Example: The Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the Tamil language and culture.
• Healthy Competition among the states: Regionalism often encourages a sense of competition for growth among different states.

 Negative Impacts of Regionalism

• Undermining National Unity: Regionalism can undermine national integration, as loyalty and allegiance to a specific region may overshadow loyalty to the nation.g., Secessionist Movements (Demand for greater Nagaland.)
• Disturbed Law and Order: Agitations and conflicts arising from regional demands can disrupt the law-and-order situation, leading to social unrest, protests, and violence. g., Division of Andhra Pradesh saw violent agitations across the state.
• Infiltration of External Factors: It can create opportunities for external factors, such as terrorist groups or extremist organisations, to exploit the situation and incite disruptions within the region.
• Divisiveness and Fragmentation: Intense regionalism can create divisions and fragmentation within the country, as regional identities and interests take precedence over national unity and solidarity.
• Economic Disruptions: Regionalism can disrupt economic activities and investments, as uncertainty and conflicts arising from regional demands can deter business growth and hinder economic stability.
• Hindrance to Inter-State Cooperation: Regionalism can strain inter-state relations and hinder cooperation among different states, as regions compete for resources, infrastructure projects, and economic opportunities. Recent developments along the Maharashtra and Karnataka border
• Weakening of National Institutions: It can weaken national institutions and governance structures potentially leading to challenges in effective governance and decision-making.
  

Is Regionalism a Threat to National Integration?

• Coexistence and Development: Regionalism and national integration can coexist, emphasising development.
• Federal and Democratic System: A federal and democratic political system reconciles regionalism and national integration.
• Preserving National Solidarity: Regionalism, when managed well, does not disrupt national solidarity.
• Strengthening Federalism: Regionalism enhances federalism through equal regional partnership.
• Decentralisation of Power: Regionalism reduces centralization, empowering states.
• Inevitability in a Diverse Nation: Regionalism is natural and inevitable in diverse countries like India.
• Fundamental to Federalism: Regionalism is foundational to federalism, respecting regional identities

Conclusion: Regionalism in India has both positive and negative effects on the social, political, and economic landscape of the country. While it provides a platform for addressing region-specific issues and preserving linguistic and cultural diversity, it can also lead to tensions, conflicts, and challenges to national unity. Finding a balance between regional aspirations and national integration is crucial for maintaining harmony and sustainable development in a diverse country like India.