Question

Discuss any four forms of regionalism as a challenge to the Indian democracy.

Answer 1

Various forms of regionalism that challenge Indian democracy are as follows.

1. Language Issues:
   Language has remained a formidable basis of regionalism. Many regions or states in India stress upon establishing one language as the primary medium in all walks. This imposition negates the existence of diverse groups. This policy has been instrumental in setting the stage for the emergence of small states in the Indian Union. Often it has led to the outbreak of riots in some states.
   
2. Sons of the soil principle:
   This ideology holds that the natives of a place have a legitimate right over its resources and are entitled to some benefits. This principle has a constitutional basis as it empowers the legislature to make residence within their respective states a qualification for employment. It often leads to conflict between the ethnic groups and the migrants and threatens the basis of democracy that is predicated on equal opportunities for all.
3. Inter-state disputes (River Disputes):
   Regional disparities are visible in inter-state river water disputes. Those states that share a common source of water often clash over its consumption with each state priortising the needs and requirements of its people. Often these disputes are exaggerated by the political groups for their personal gains. Such conflicts hamper the cooperative spirit that Indian democracy stands for.
   
4. Demands for new states:
   A popular brand of regional aspiration or regionalism is the demand for separate statehood within the Indian Union. Though the constitution gives provision for formation of new states, such demands are now premised on linguistic and ethnic differences that have led to the formation of new states. It leads to division of the country into smaller fragments and results in new kinds of disparities.
   
5. Secessionist Demand:
   In several areas of India, several secessionist groups are working to break from the mainland of India. This is the most threatening form of regional aspiration as the groups advocating it use fear and terror as a potent weapon to achieve their aims. It threatens the unity and sovereignty of the country.