Regional parties, hurdles

Regional political parties in India have never lost their strong and fundamental voter base. However, they face organisational and seat-winning challenges in a national political landscape increasingly dominated by national parties. Data from research groups show that regional parties secured roughly one-third of the total vote share in the last general election. However, their independent governance footprint has shrunk as national parties have expanded their reach (‘Data Point’, August 12). Regional parties independently govern fewer States today than they did during the peak coalition eras of the 1990s and 2000s. The voting pattern, however, has not changed significantly: voters generally choose regional parties in State elections to prioritise local needs and issues, while leaning towards national parties in parliamentary elections.

R. Sivakumar,

Chennai

Stance that affects peace

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is digging his heels in, as evidenced by his rejection of Donald Trump’s peace plan. He appears intractable, with even the U.S. struggling to exert influence over him. Unless he relinquishes his obstinate stance, it will be tough for peace to hold.

Aanya Singhal,

Noida, Uttar Pradesh