Why are regional parties prone to a split?

Regional parties have been among the most influential forces in post-Independence Indian politics. They have been shaping the state governments, toppling entrenched political establishments, and often playing kingmaker in New Delhi. Yet the history of parties such as the DMK, AIADMK, Shiv Sena, NCP, TMC, SP, RJD and others reveals a recurring pattern. Many rise on the strength of a charismatic leader, a regional identity or a mass movement, but later face succession battles, family rivalries, organisational splits or difficulties in expanding beyond their home states. This Info-Pack tries to go deeper into reasons behind the threat of split in regional parties in India.