In a country as diverse as India, where people of multiple religions, languages, and cultural backgrounds coexist, one particular identity consistently emerges as a decisive factor during elections: ‘regional identity’. Beyond ideology and narratives, regional identity often acts as an emotional and cultural anchor for citizens.
In many ways, sometimes voters may perceive regional parties as protectors of their interests, especially in a democratic system. This dynamic explains why regional identity resurfaces strongly during election seasons.
As India approaches crucial Assembly elections in 2026, the enduring influence of regional identity in shaping political outcomes comes into focus.
Regional Identity in Indian Politics
According to Dr. Josukutty C.A., Professor and Head of the Political Science Department at Kerala University, regional identity is not a new or emerging phenomenon in India. He describes the country as a collection of multiple identities bound together by an overarching Indian identity. Cultural factors such as language, religion, caste, and geography form the foundation of political mobilisation.
Dr. Josukutty explained that voters often exercise their choices in alignment with identities they feel closest to, supporting parties that reflect their cultural and social backgrounds. “Identity becomes both a means of empowerment and a tool for protecting economic, political, and social interests, making it a fundamental factor in political organisation,” he noted.
Regional parties often outperform national parties at the state and local levels because they are more closely connected to ground realities. Dr. Josukutty pointed out that regional parties directly cater to local concerns. In Kerala, for instance, several regional parties have represented the interests of farmers and local communities by focusing on geography-specific and agriculture-related issues.
Explaining why regional identity remains strong despite high-profile national campaigns, Dr. Josukutty highlighted Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian movement, where politics is deeply rooted in linguistic and cultural identity. “The Tamil language continues to be a powerful rallying point, especially when national narratives are perceived as privileging Hindi or Sanskrit,” he said. Similar identity-driven politics can be seen in Assam and West Bengal, where demography, ethnicity, and region-specific economic interests heavily influence political alignment.
