The Rising Tide of Regionalism: Supreme Court’s Cautionary Stand

Context:

The Supreme Court of India recently observed that promoting regionalism for electoral gain is as dangerous as communalism. It cautioned political parties against inciting regional divisions, which can endanger national unity and constitutional values. This statement comes at a time when regional identity politics is increasingly being used for vote-bank mobilisation, raising concerns about fragmentation of Indian federalism.

What is Regionalism?

• Regionalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a specific geographic region over the nation as a whole.

• It becomes problematic when it fuels identity-based mobilisation or promotes exclusionary politics.

Forms of Regionalism:

• Demand for Autonomy:

  • Seen in movements like Gorkhaland and Bodoland.

• Sub-Regional Identity Politics:

  • Example: "Sons of the soil" campaigns in Maharashtra targeting outsiders.

• Development-Based Regionalism:

  • Backward region demands in Vidarbha and Telangana.

• Linguistic Regionalism:

  • Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu are prominent examples.

• Employment-Based Regionalism:

  • Haryana's law reserving 75% private sector jobs for locals.

Causes for the Rise of Regionalism:

• Uneven Development:

  • Skewed economic progress causes regional resentment.

  • Example: Bihar-Jharkhand disparities led to statehood demands.

• Cultural Assertion:

  • Communities fear cultural dilution due to migration or central dominance.

  • Example: Marathi-North Indian tensions in Mumbai.

• Electoral Mobilisation:

  • Political parties exploit regional identity for votes.

  • Example: Early campaigns of Shiv Sena, AIMIM targeting regional bases.

• Linguistic Politics:

  • Language is used to assert identity or exclusion.

  • Example: Dravidian movement rooted in Tamil pride.

• Neglected Grievances:

  • Persistent local issues ignored by the state/centre cause alienation.

  • Example: Jammu & Kashmir before abrogation of Article 370.

Issues Associated with Regionalism:

• Threat to National Unity:

  • Encourages fragmentation of national identity.

• Discrimination & Violence:

  • Migrants face violence and hostility.

  • Example: Attacks on Bihari workers in Assam and Gujarat.

• Violation of Constitutional Rights:

  • Article 19 ensures freedom of movement, residence, and employment across India, which regionalism may infringe.

• Obstruction to National Policies:

  • Regional opposition can delay or derail national projects.

• Populism Over Governance:

  • Identity politics shifts focus from development to vote-centric populism.

Way Forward:

• Promote Constitutional Awareness:

  • Educate citizens on fundamental duties and Article 19 protections.

• Address Regional Disparities:

  • Ensure equitable development across states and regions through balanced fiscal allocation.

• Strengthen Integration Schemes:

  • Expand programs like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, youth exchanges, and cultural collaborations.

• Political Accountability:

  • Election Commission should monitor manifestos and speeches for divisive content.

• Judicial Oversight:

  • Courts should continue to act against unconstitutional political behavior and uphold secular federalism.

• Foster Plural Nationalism:

  • Accept regional identities as part of the Indian mosaic, not as opposition to national identity.

Conclusion:

Regional identities are an integral part of India’s federal structure, but they must operate within the framework of unity and constitutionalism. The Supreme Court’s timely warning highlights the need for responsible politics that unites rather than divides. True federalism lies in cooperative nationalism, where diversity strengthens national unity instead of weakening it.