Regional parties promote independence, emphasize national interests

Javed Ali Khan, Member of Parliament (SP), Rajya Sabha; KR Suresh Reddy, former speaker of united Andhra Pradesh and former BRS parliamentary leader; Santrupt Misra, Member of Parliament (BJD), Rajya Sabha in conversation with Nistula Hebbar, Political Editor, The Hindu. | Photo credit: K. Murali Kumar

Regional party leaders have argued that these parties continue to play a decisive role in shaping India’s political landscape, insisting that their decisions are rooted in national interest rather than opportunism.

On the second day of The Hindu Huddle 2026 on Saturday (June 6, 2026), Rajya Sabha members Javed Ali Khan (Samajwadi Party), Santrupt Misra (Biju Janata Dal) and former United Andhra Pradesh Speaker and former BRS Parliamentary Leader KR Suresh Reddy said the voice is growing in conversation with Nistula. influence of regional parties.

A senior politician with three decades of political experience as an MLA and MP, Mr. Reddy maintained that his party believes in neutrality and issue-based stances. “We are neither with the UPA nor the NDA. Our stand depends on national interests. BRS opposed the Kisan Bill but supported demonetisation. We were against the Waqf Bill. The stand is not political or ideological but fundamentally based on the larger interest of the country,” he stressed.

He also defended Telangana’s statehood demand and pointed out that what did not happen in 65 years happened in the last 10 years. “From a drought-hit region, it is the most prosperous state of the country today. Our demand for a separate state was on the basis of water, funds and jobs,” Mr. Reddy said, crediting the BRS regime for the overall development.

First Rajya Sabha member Santrupt Misra echoed the sentiments of Mr Reddy and Mr Javed Ali when he said the growing influence of regional parties was evident in the way the BJD performed and secured 182 Lok Sabha seats between 1999 and 2024.

He further warned against double standards in coalition politics, pointing out that if a national party joins a regional party to form a government, it is seen as pragmatic. “But if, as a regional party that is close to people’s issues, I decide to get involved based on national interest, I am accused of being politically expedient,” he noted.

Mr. Misra further cited Odisha’s transformation under Naveen Patnaik as evidence of issue-based leadership. “It went from a bankrupt state in 2000 to a revenue surplus in 2024 because it did not serve the interest of the BJD but the interest of the people,” he said.

In simultaneous surveys

He called for caution on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, saying: “The first five elections were simultaneous. The question is whether it strengthens or weakens democracy, whether local issues are neglected, whether assembly dates are limited. Every national issue that affects the constitution and people’s lives must be discussed in detail,” he noted.

Mr. Reddy endorsed ‘One Nation, One Election’. “Constant elections are not in the larger interest of the nation. Just like Odisha, which elected one party to Parliament and the other to the state, we are confident voters,” he declared confidently.

Taking a dig at the Congress, Mr. Javed Ali of the Samajwadi Party said that it is now reduced to a regional party even though they are allies. “We are a regional party in terms of the electoral commission, but a national party in terms of ideology,” he said.

Hindu Huddle is presented by Sami-Sabinsa Group as a presenting partner. The event is co-sponsored by the Government of Telangana and is being held in association with Khaja Bandanawaz University.

The event is further supported by Bank of Baroda, Larsen & Toubro, Apollo Hospitals, IIM Sirmaur, ICFAI Group, TAFE, Wizzmon, Uttarakhand Government, Associate Partners; Casagrand, real estate partner; Toyota, the luxury car partner; Amity University Bengaluru, Partner University; Harrow International School Bengaluru, Education Partner; Meghalaya Tourism, State Partner; and NDTV 24×7, TV Partner.

Published – June 6, 2026 1:48 PM IST