Authored By: Chaitanya Sorot
Asian Law College, Chaudhary Charan Singh University
Abstract
Regionalism in India is a multidimensional concept rooted in cultural, linguistic, economic, and political identities within specific geographical regions. While it fosters regional pride, development, and cultural preservation, it also carries the risk of threatening national integration when it manifests as separatism or violent agitations. Regionalism is classified as demand-based, developmental, cultural, or political. The Indian Constitution accommodates regional aspirations through provisions like Articles 3 and 371, while judicial interpretations such as the SR Bommai case uphold the limits of regional demands within national sovereignty. Factors driving regionalism include historical legacies, economic disparities, political opportunism, and cultural differences. Case studies like the Telangana, Gorkhaland, and Dravidian movements illustrate both positive and negative dimensions. Addressing regionalism requires balanced economic development, strengthening cooperative federalism, responsible political conduct, judicial vigilance against secessionist tendencies, and cultural integration initiatives. Ultimately, regionalism, when managed within constitutional boundaries, can reinforce India’s ethos of ‘Unity in Diversity’ by promoting democratic empowerment and inclusive development while safeguarding national integrity.
Introduction
Regionalism is a multi-dimensional concept referring to the expression of a common sense of identity and purpose by people within a specific geographical region, united by factors such as language, culture, history, ethnicity, and economic interests. In the Indian context, regionalism has often been viewed with suspicion due to its potential to threaten national integration. However, it also carries a positive dimension by fostering regional pride, development, and cultural preservation within the broader framework of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
Theoretical Dimensions of Regionalism
Regionalism is not a new phenomenon. Political scientists classify it broadly as:
- Demand-based Regionalism – where people seek statehood, autonomy, or administrative recognition.
- Developmental Regionalism – rooted in economic backwardness and demand for equitable resource distribution.
- Cultural Regionalism – seeking preservation and promotion of regional languages, traditions, and cultural identity.
- Political Regionalism – aimed at gaining power or safeguarding local political interests.
The distinction between positive regionalism and negative regionalism forms the basis of policy approach towards managing regional aspirations.
Positive Regionalism: An Instrument of Empowerment
- Positive regionalism promotes:
- Cultural pride: Preserving local languages (e.g., Telugu movement, Bengali renaissance).
- Political empowerment: Regional parties like DMK, Shiv Sena, and TRS have highlighted local governance issues.
- Economic development: Focus on regional developmental models, e.g., Gujarat model or Kerala model.
- Democratic deepening: Rise of regional parties prevents monopolisation by national parties, ensuring accountability.
For instance, Article 371 and its sub-clauses in the Constitution provide special provisions for certain states (Nagaland, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, etc.) to protect their cultural and economic interests.
- Negative Regionalism: Threat to National Unity.
- Separatist tendencies: As seen in Punjab (Khalistan movement) and North-East insurgencies.
- Violent agitations: Telangana movement (prior to statehood in 2014) witnessed severe public protests.
- Political opportunism: Politicians exploit regional sentiments for votes, aggravating divisiveness.
- Economic disruptions: Bandhs, strikes, and regional agitations affect economic stability and investor confidence.
Legal Issues and Constitutional Provisions Relating to Regionalism
- Federal Structure and Regionalism
- India’s Constitution establishes a quasi-federal structure (K.C. Wheare) with a strong centre, but also significant state autonomy. Regionalism challenges this by seeking greater decentralisation. Notable legal provisions include:
- Article 1: India as a ‘Union of States’ rather than a federation of states.
- Article 3: Parliament’s power to reorganise states, create new states, alter boundaries, crucial for addressing regional demands like Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand formations.
- Article 371 and sub-articles: Special status for specific states to safeguard regional aspirations.
- Regionalism vis-à-vis Secession
- While regionalism is not secession, jurisprudence draws a line when regional demands threaten sovereignty. In SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994), the Supreme Court upheld that federalism is part of the basic structure and that promoting secession or challenging sovereignty violates constitutional morality.
- Language and Regionalism
- The Official Languages Act, 1963 and the Eighth Schedule protect linguistic diversity. However, linguistic regionalism led to:
- States Reorganisation Act, 1956: Formation of linguistic states post Potti Stimulus’s death during Andhra movement.
- Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu (1965): Led to retention of English as associate official language alongside Hindi.
- The judiciary upholds linguistic rights under Article 29 (Protection of Interests of Minorities) and Article 30 (Right to Establish Educational Institutions).
- Regional Parties and Constitutional Democracy
- Under the Representation of People Act, 1951, regional parties are recognised and regulated by the Election Commission. Regional parties have enhanced federalism by articulating local issues in national discourse. The rise of coalition politics (e.g., United Front, NDA, UPA) shows regional parties’ role in national stability and policy-making.
- Internal Security and Regional Extremism
- Regionalism turning violent is dealt under:
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967: For organisations threatening sovereignty.
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958: Enforced in North-Eastern states to counter insurgency with due criticism on human rights grounds.
- The Supreme Court in Naga People’s Movement of Human Rights v. Union of India (1997) upheld AFSPA’s constitutionality but stressed its judicious use to avoid alienation.
Regionalism and Judicial Interpretations
- Berubari Union Case (1960): Territorial integrity and cession matters relating to regional sentiments require constitutional amendment under Article 368.
- Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975): Strengthened the basic structure doctrine protecting unity and integrity.
- Re: The Kerala Education Bill (1957): Protected minority and regional language institutions within constitution Interpretation .
Recent Developments
- Strengthening Bengali Identity in West Bengal
Ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, CM Mamata Banerjee has made Bengali language and cultural pride central to her campaign. She has relaunched a new “Bhasha Andolan” to defend Bengali heritage, alleging linguistic discrimination and calling for weekly protests to safeguard Bengali migrants in other states .
She has also asserted that all her party’s MPs may speak exclusively in Bengali in Parliament if necessary, reinforcing this as a key component of regional assertio Accusation “Linguistic Terrorism”
Mamata has publicly accused the BJP of perpetrating what she terms “linguistic terrorism” against Bengalis—citing instances of migrant Bengalis being detained in other states and deleted from voter rolls. She has vowed to launch a language movement starting late July to resist these actions .
- Revival of the Bhil Pradesh Movement
In Rajasthan’s tribal hub Mangarh Dham, MP Rajkumar Roat (Bharat Adivasi Party) has reignited calls for a separate “Bhil Pradesh” state, proposing it across four states to protect tribal identity. A historic map has been reissued, and a ‘Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra’ has drawn significant tribal support, though regional politicians have condemned the move as divisive .
Responsible for Regionalism in India
- Historical Factors – Princely states’ integration left certain regional identities unaddressed.
- Economic Disparities – Uneven development fosters resentment (e.g. Vidarbha, Bundelkhand demands).
- Political Factors – Vote bank politics exploiting regional sentiments.
- Cultural and Linguistic Factors – Language-based pride turning exclusionary.
- Administrative Neglect – Peripheral regions ignored in national planning.
Case Studies: Regional Movements
- Telangana Movement: Rooted in economic neglect and cultural assertion; led to constitutional amendment creating Telangana in 2014.
- Gorkhaland Movement: Demand for separate statehood for Nepali-speaking population in Darjeeling citing cultural distinctiveness.
- Dravidian Movement: Initially sought secession but post-1960s focused on Tamil identity within Indian federalism, strengthening regional language and welfare policies.v.v.mm
- State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1963) : The State of West Bengal challenged the constitutionality of the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, arguing that the Centre cannot acquire state-owned land without its consent.
- R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) : Several state governments were dismissed under Article 356 (President’s Rule) on grounds of breaking constitutional machinery. States challenged these dismissals as politically motivated.
Suggestions and Way Forward
- Balanced Regional Development – Address economic grievances to prevent violent regionalism.
- Strengthening Cooperative Federalism – Platforms like NITI Aayog’s Governing Council meetings should proactively address regional concerns.
- Responsible Politics – Avoiding use of regional sentiments for short-term electoral gains.
- Judicial Vigilance – Courts to continue upholding constitutional morality against secessionist tendencies.
- Cultural Integration Initiatives – National games, festivals, and cultural exchanges to promote unity.
- Educational Curriculum – Emphasising national integration alongside regional pride.
Conclusion
Regionalism remains an inherent aspect of India’s diverse socio-political landscape. It arises from historical, cultural, linguistic, economic, and administrative factors that shape people’s collective identity within specific regions. When channelled positively, regionalism fosters cultural preservation, democratic empowerment, and balanced regional development, contributing to the ethos of ‘Unity in Diversity’ that defines India. It ensures that local issues are addressed effectively, empowers regional parties to articulate community-specific concerns, and promotes decentralised governance.
However, negative manifestations of regionalism, such as violent agitations, separatist tendencies, and political opportunism exploiting regional sentiments, threaten national integration, economic stability, and internal security. The Indian Constitution, through Articles 3 and 371, accommodates regional aspirations within the framework of national unity, while judicial pronouncements like S.R. Bommai v. Union of India uphold the limits of regional demands.
To address regionalism constructively, there must be balanced economic development, strengthening of cooperative federalism, responsible political discourse, and educational initiatives emphasising national integration alongside regional pride. Only by managing regional aspirations within constitutional boundaries can India ensure its stability, inclusiveness, and progress. Ultimately, regionalism, if harnessed positively, can become a force for equitable development and cultural vibrancy, strengthening India’s unity while celebrating its diversity.
Reference(S):
- Constitution of India, 1950
- States Reorganisation Act, 1956
- Official Languages Act, 1963
- SR Bommai v. Union of India (1994) SCC 1
- Naga People’s Movement of Human Rights v. Union of India (1997) SCC 87
- Berubari Union Case (1960) AIR SC 845
- Representation of People Act, 1951
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
- Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958
- Ministry of Home Affairs reports on Internal Security and Left Wing Extremism
- IGNOU Political Science – MPSE-001 Indian Political System Module
- P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law
- Durga Das Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India
- PRS Legislative Research – State Reorganisation and Regionalism Notes
- https://legislative.gov.in/ (Accessed July 2025)
- https://www.india.gov.in/ (Accessed July 2025)