- At the outset, let me just scratch the surface of the hugely debated subject matter to comprehend how the bane of nepotism continues to bog the political landscape in the context of the Indian democratic system. Mind you, the Indian democracy prides itself in being vibrant, diverse, chaotic, but thriving despite all its idiosyncrasies. That the democratic form of governance persists amply demonstrates how a hugely populous country like India keeps marching ahead even though several fault lines dotting the landscape fail to act as a deterrent. And one of the most often repeated accusations thrown at the political parties dotting the democratic pathway is unbridled encouragement accorded to nepotism.
PC: Soutik Biswas and Vijdan Mohammad Kawoosa
- Mind you, many powerful dynasties hold sway over national and regional entities even now. This particular phenomenon has gained further traction by getting deeply embedded across the political spectrum, irrespective of party affiliation. Look not far than the Grand Old Party of India, the Indian National Congress so spectacularly characterized by its rank and file clinging on to the Nehru-Gandhi family despite incessant poll reversals. The party is treated as a family fiefdom that needs no further elaboration. This is precisely what the Bharatiya Janata Party time and again targets during elections, either the Parliamentary or subsequent assembly elections.
- No wonder, targeting nepotism by highlighting the fact about the Congress party has resulted in handsome political dividends to the BJP over the last few years. Sadly, the GOP is unable to look beyond the Nehru-Gandhi Family clan to counter BJP’s charge by projecting able outsiders. The ensuing elections to five state assemblies to do not offer any different narration as nepotism corners centerstage even as different political parties in the ring try to project contrarian optics. The crucial Uttar Pradesh has Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, having already served a full term as the CM, is the son of the former CM and patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav.
PC: Press Trust of India
- Akhilesh blissfully carries forward the nepotism legacy even as several family members reach out to opposition ranks for failing to curry favours within. At another end, Priyanka Gandhi, daughter of the Congress president, is the face of the UP elections representing the Congress though the bipolar fight is firmly between the BJP and the SP. The phenomenon is witnessed in other election-bound states as well. However, the BJP which never loses an opportunity to highlight its credential as a party with a difference has its leadership largely chosen from the grassroots level rising from the ranks.
- Though some concessions are periodically made to deserving scions proving their mettle, the party largely desists from encouraging nepotism is a point worthwhile to note. A case in point is the denial of an assembly ticket to the son of the late former CM of Goa Manohar Parikkar. Needless to mention, a sense of entitlement pervades amongst the dynasts who do not accept the denial of tickets to contest and instead choose to switch loyalty in search of greener pastures. What will happen to loyal cadres toiling for years who continue to nurture hopes of getting recognized someday? The hard reality is very few deserving will make the cut, and the rest will be left with no choice but to support the dynasts! Changes will have to wait!
