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Abstract Regional political parties constitute a crucial yet underappreciated component of India's federal political system, particularly in peripheral and ethnically diverse states such as Arunachal Pradesh. This article examines the historical evolution, political functions, and contemporary relevance of regional political parties in shaping the state politics of Arunachal Pradesh. By situating the analysis within theoretical frameworks of federalism, regionalism, and identity politics, the study explores how parties such as the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) and Arunachal Congress (AC) have influenced governance, leadership formation, electoral competition, and centre-state relations. The article argues that although national political parties have increasingly dominated electoral outcomes in Arunachal Pradesh, regional parties continue to play a vital intermediary role by articulating sub-national interests, enabling elite mobility, and mediating political stability. The study contributes to the broader literature on Indian party systems by highlighting how regional parties in frontier states shape democratic representation beyond electoral dominance.