Communalism can be fueled by both relative deprivation and regionalism, creating a sense of “us vs. them” that can lead to conflict. Here’s how:

When a group feels they have fewer resources (economic opportunities, jobs, education) compared to another group, resentment can build. This feeling of being unfairly left behind can be exploited by political leaders who scapegoat other communities for their own problems. Strong regional identities can sometimes lead to a sense of competition or even animosity towards other regions. This can be particularly true if there’s a perception that one region is favored by the government or receives more resources. Regional political parties may exploit these feelings to gain power, potentially using religious differences to further divide the population.

Relative deprivation and regionalism can often reinforce each other. For instance, a region with a distinct cultural identity may also have a high level of poverty. This combination can create a potent mix of resentment towards outsiders who are perceived as benefiting from the region’s resources. The partition of India in 1947 is a historical example where religious and regional tensions fueled by relative deprivation contributed to a violent conflict.