However, the electoral defeat of regional parties should not be interpreted as evidence of the decline of regional parties as a whole. One cannot deny the fact that several regional parties have faced defections in recent years. Of these, in four States, regional parties are the dominant partners, while the BJP plays a supporting role (Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Puducherry). Regional parties have consistently secured around one-third of the total votes cast in Lok Sabha elections with some variations across elections. National parties have a stable place in Indian politics and the same appears to be true for regional parties.