"The resurgence of regionalism in various parts of the country has emerged as a threat to unity and integrity of the nation." In the light of this statement, critically analyze the reasons for its emergence and how such divisive tendencies needs to be addressed.

TK Oomen indicates how autocratic Congress rule that failed to respect/nurture regional aspirations led to rise in regional tendencies and in the form of regional parties like AIADMK, Assam Gana Parishad, etc. This eventually culminated in the use of multi party system and coalition politics.

Paul Brass indicates that regionalism is a form of political opportunism that relies on exploiting regional tendencies to further the political interests of certain sections.

PC Joshi indicates how uneven economic development across the country flames regional currents. This has been seen in the creation of Telangana recently and also demands of statehood from Vidarbha, Bundelkhand & other regions.

Moreover, failure of the state to integrate tribes into the mainstream or empower them has led to divisions on ethno-regional lines, with demands for creation of separate states, even transcending into sub-nationalism as in Naga Movement, Santhal rebellion, etc.

Regionalism can also prevail due to religious intolerance/insecurity among minorities, resulting in culminating into religious revivalism or even separatist tendencies.

Eg: Khalistan movement, Kashmir unrest. Regionalism is also fueled along linguistic/ethnic lines as in case of Dravidistan movement, etc.

It is imperative to bridge the regional divides in order to maintain integrity of the country. This requires holistic, inclusive development to overcome economic woes of various sections and integrate everyone into the mainstream economy, This as advocated by A. Sen.