The Role of Regional Parties:

1. Introduction: Though the regional parties operate within very limited area and pursue only limited objectives, they have played significant roles both in the state as well as national politics.

2. Formation of State Governments: The regional political parties formed governments in several states and tried to give concrete shape to their policies and programmes. Some of the important regional parties which formed governments in various states include DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu; National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir; Telugu Desam in Andhra Pradesh, Asam Gana Parishad in Assam; Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party in Goa; Mizo National Front in Mizoram; Sikkim Sangram Parishad in Sikkim; All Party Hill Leaders Conference in Meghalaya and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in Haryana.

3. Partners of Coalition Governments: Some of the regional parties were also partners in the coalition governments formed in several states after the fourth general election of 1967. At the centre however, the Regional Parties have been able to play only a limited role due in helping formation to the government of Congress. DMK, a regional party, supported Mrs. Indira Gandhi's government after the split in the party in 1969 and enabled her to carry on government despite loss of majority in the Parliament. Telugu Desam was the pillar of strength for the United Front and later the National Democratic Alliance.

4. Local Issues: The representatives of the regional parties focus the attention of the Parliament on issues in their region and try to influence the policies of the Government to promote their own interests.

5. Attention towards remote areas: But probably the greatest service rendered by the regional political parties is that they have focused the attention of the people in remote areas on various political and economic issues and contributed to their political awakening.

6. For Positive Attitude: Above all, the regional parties have been able to impress of the national political parties that they cannot put up with their attitude of indifference towards regional problems and have compelled them to take keen interest in the resolution of their problems.

7. Conclusion: In short it can be said that the regional political parties have not only profoundly influenced the regional politics but also left tremendous impact on the national politics.