ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the process of political transformation of ethnic radicalism into partners in Indian democracy through the process of institutionalization. It also examines the extent of political participation at the State level to show in particular how in the post-Statehood situation in the region political participation has increased, multi-party competition has become the legitimate methods of power competition and political integration as a result has followed. The chapter also examines the governance performance of the States over the three decades between 1981 and 2011. It suggests the effects of the shifts in India's political economy to macroeconomic neo-liberal reforms. The chapter examines the effects of social inclusionary measures in respect of sanitation, safe drinking water, electricity and literacy in the North East. It argues with detailed data how ethnic radicalism in the North East has been transformed into legitimate stakeholders in India's democratic political process.
