In the context of states in India evaluate the relationship between regional disparity and sentiments of regionalism. Is regionalism antagonistic to the idea of nationalism? (Answer in 150 words) 15 marks.

Relationship between Regional Disparity & Regionalism:

1. less development fuels regionalism eg> Jharkhand separated (2000)

2. Neglect from Administration compared to other region eg> Northeastern Demands -> Greater Nagalim for naga people.

3. Regional Disparity based on distinct identity

3.1 Language -> Bodoland demand

3.2 Ethnicity -> Kuki v/s Meiti (Manipur)

3.3 Religion -> Khalistan movement.

4. Regional disparity based on resource allocation fuels Regionalism eg> Chhattisgarh separation from M.P & now performing well

5. Regional disparity in terms of Administrative development causes dissent eg> Telangana separation (2014) -> due to less developmental efforts and all administrative efforts towards Eastern Andhra pradesh.

Regionalism antagonistic to nationalism:

1. Only focus on regional development rather than nation as a whole

2. Fuels Regional aspirations and causes tensions -> hinders national growth.

3. Regionalism causes separation of people based on different identities eg> In one state like manipur different identities - Naga, Kuki, Meity - they clashes

4. many violent feulled by regionalism eg> In Mumbai and Gujarat -> Attack on migrants of UP-Bihar.

5. fuels son of soil sentiments eg> Haryana giving 75% reservation to local people.

However Both are not antagonistic:

1. regionalism caters to the demands of local people -> enhanced democratic participation

2. Attracts the political attention and thus serves to the cause of people.

3. Serves to the development of Region. eg> Telangana after separation is growing more.