Question

Explain the following concept.

Regional Parties.

Answer 1

1. Regional parties are groups in the region that are proud of their distinct identity of their region and who compete to obtain political power with the objective of the development of their region.
2. For a political party to become a regional party,
   1. It should secure a minimum of 6% of valid votes in the earlier Lok Sabha or State.
   2. Assembly elections and a minimum of 2 members should be elected in the Vidhan Sabha or State Assembly.
   3. The party should secure a minimum of 3% of seats out of the total seats of Vidhan Sabha or State Assembly or a minimum of 3 seats.
3. Regional parties focus their attention on resolving regional problems. They demand more autonomy and authority for the development of the region. They cooperate with the federal government while still protecting their autonomy. Moreover, they influence national politics as well.
4. They demand that the regional issues should be handled at the regional level itself, political power should be in the hands of the people of the region, and residents of the region should get preference in administration and jobs.
5. Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference in Kashmir, Assam Gan Parishad in Assam, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are some major regional parties in India.