Characteristics

• Strong emotional connect with masses
• Mass mobilisation through speeches and symbols
• Media and social-media centric image
• Leader-centric party structure

How Personality Influences Voting Behaviour

1. Emotional Appeal – Voters feel trust and hope in the leader.
2. Perceived Strong Leadership – Preference for decisive leaders.
3. Weak Party Identification – Leader replaces party ideology.
4. Crisis Politics – Charismatic leaders gain support during instability.

Positive Impact

✅ Enhances political participation
✅ Provides stable leadership
✅ Quick decision-making

Negative Impact

❌ Weakens institutions
❌ Promotes hero-worship
❌ Reduces internal party democracy

2. Regionalism in India: A Conceptual Analysis

Meaning of Regionalism

Regionalism is the strong attachment and loyalty of people towards their region, based on language, culture, economy, or history, often influencing political behaviour.

Causes of Regionalism

1. Cultural & Linguistic Diversity
2. Economic Inequality among Regions
3. Historical Factors
4. Political Mobilisation by Regional Parties
5. Failure of Central Policies

Forms of Regionalism

• Demand for separate statehood
• Demand for special status or autonomy
• Protection of regional language and culture
• Regional political dominance

Positive Aspects

✅ Protection of regional identity
✅ Balanced development
✅ Strengthening democracy

Negative Aspects

❌ Threat to national unity
❌ Parochial politics
❌ Inter-state conflicts

3. Regionalism and Indian Federalism

Meaning of Federalism

Federalism is a system where power is divided between the Centre and the States.

Relationship between Regionalism and Federalism

Regionalism plays a dual role in Indian federalism.

Positive Role

1. Strengthening State Autonomy
2. Rise of Regional Parties → Balance of power
3. Coalition Politics → Cooperative federalism
4. Local Issue Representation

Negative Role

1. Centre–State Conflicts
2. Excessive Autonomy Demands
3. Regional Chauvinism
4. Political Fragmentation

Role of Regional Parties

• Represent regional aspirations
• Influence national policies
• Act as coalition partners
• Strengthen federal bargaining

Conclusion

Cult, charisma, and personality influence voting behaviour by creating leader-centric politics.
Regionalism, when constructive, strengthens Indian federalism by ensuring representation and decentralisation.
However, excessive regionalism and personality cults may weaken institutions and national unity.
A balanced approach combining strong leadership, regional aspirations, and constitutional federalism is essential for India’s democratic stability.

📌 UG Exam Tips

✔ Write definitions clearly
✔ Use sub-headings
✔ Mention positives & negatives
✔ End with a balanced conclusion

If you want:
✔️ Short notes (2–5 marks)
✔️ MCQs with answers
✔️ PDF notes
✔️ Hindi / Odia medium

Just tell me 😊