Recasting Regionalism: Between Nationalism, Populism, Clientelism and Competitive Federalism in Post-2014 India

Abstract: This article examines the transformation of regional politics in India since 2014, analysing its intersections with populism, nationalism, welfare politics, leadership dynamics, and evolving regional identities. Using Progressive Negation Analysis (PNA), it systematically challenges pre-2014 assumptions of regionalism as purely defensive, identity-driven, and coalition-dependent. The study identifies the emergence of a new model—Competitive Sub-National Populism (CSNP)—where regional leaders blend sub-national pride with elements of national populism, positioning themselves as both defenders of state identity and performance-driven welfare providers. Post-2014 regionalism is characterised by heightened leader-centric mobilisation, symbolic confrontation with central narratives, and welfare branding as an electoral strategy. In contrast to pre-2014 patterns, today’s regional parties actively compete for narrative dominance, engage in performance-based legitimacy battles, and influence national political discourse beyond state boundaries. The analysis also explores the implications of CSNP for federalism, opposition politics, and governance sustainability. It argues that far from eroding, regionalism has adapted to the nationalised political environment, becoming more competitive, leader-driven, and populist in nature. The article concludes by outlining future ramifications, including intensified Centre–state confrontations, escalating welfare competition, and the growing importance of narrative politics in shaping India’s democratic trajectory.