ABSTRACT
Before the November 1989 elections, all Indian opposition political parties were regional parties within a one-party dominant system. A case can be made for the regionalization of Indian politics with concomitant implications for center-state relations. The lessening of personalism at the center and the impact of regionalism in the form of a more effective federalism, whether multi-party or one-party dominance, can be seen as one dimension of political development and institutionalization. In contrast to the command style of the Congress Party leaders, negotiations and bargaining were essential elements in maintaining the complex National Front coalition. Consensus and collective leadership also has to reflect the different nature of the regional parties. These parties can be classified into two broad categories: single and multi-state. Most of the single and multi-state parties became linked directly or indirectly to the National Front Government, while others remained associated with the vital Congress Party.
