'Regional political parties good for unity

Samastipur, Nov 30 (UNI) The emergence of regional parties and its growing influence in the national politics contribute towards strengthening the country's unity and integrity.

This observation was made by a well-known political scientist Madhukar Shyam Chaturvedi, while speaking at a seminar orgainsed here today by the University Grant Commission(UGC).

He felt that the growing influence of regional parties was ''good'' in strengthening the country's unity and integrity.

''With their growing influence in the national level and sometimes by playing a key role in the formation of government at the Centre, the regional parties strive for fulfilling the aspiration of the people living in different parts of the country. It greatly helps in curbing the anger and frustration, the main cause behind the emergence of separatist forces'', he added.

Mr Chaturvedi said sometimes the regional parties tempted to put the local interests above the national cause, which posed a threat to the country's unity, adding such trends should be curbed with firm hand.

He also cited the role of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which were trying to spread ''hatred and distrust by fanning regional sentiments''.

''Such trends are not desirable. It should be discouraged with full strength. Soft approaches, in this regard, will pose more serious challenge to the country's unity and integrity,'' he noted.

UNI XC-KKS SB/SRC2116