Question

Impact of regional political parties on federal system

Answer 1

India had about a single party political system till 1967, congress (INR) dominated it. Even states were ruled by congress. But regional parties came into picture after 1967. They gain some powers in their regions. But it was only 1880s when regional parties participated in centre's coalition government also. Sometimes central government and state governments have different parties. That immensely affected the developmental plans. Similarly coalition governments have many a time proved to short-lived. This resulted in mid-term polls many a times. Congress lost its dominance as a result of this.
Many regional parties like TDP, RJD, Akali Dal, AIADMK, DMK, SP, BSP etc. started playing their influential role. They started participating in government decision making. Unlike earlier, now the regional parties made developmental works come to their states. Whenever, central government is making policies it has to consider, the regional parties, which are their allies. However, presence of regions parties in central government sometime creating instability.
In short we can say that regional parties have increased importance of their regional on the one hand, and have increased instability on the other. But somehow, Indian political system has become more democratic.