Dynasties are common in India but what matters most

Monoj Kumar Hazarika

(mkhazarika11@gmail.com)

The ancient hierarchic social class structure giving way to various dynasties continued despite many social and cultural reforms in the modern cognitive era. In modern, progressive and independent India dynasties are common in various professions. Particularly in Politics, business and Bollywood dynasties are common mainly because being a progeny is the sole criterion to pursue that profession. In various other professions also dynasties are prevalent.

Dynasties in the Indian movie industry famously known as Bollywood are common and known to all cine lovers. Members from each generation of some prominent families are continuously engaged in various aspects of film making-producing, directing and acting-making their surname famous- like a brand itself. A few of these Bollywood dynasties have occasionally been alleged with some kind of Nepotism causing inconvenience within the industry, but it's trivial as it doesn't impact much to the general public. Similarly in Indian Business, the family owned-business still dominates the business scenario. Business dynasties do impact the Nation's economy and till now by and large has a positive impact contributing to the nation's GDP.

Dynasties in politics matter the most.

From the Pandya dynasty in 500 BC to the Mughal empire till 1858, segregated India has been ruled by many prominent Dynasties along with lesser significant royal dynasties of the princely states. Inequality prevailed under dynastic rules. Since independence from British and dynastic rule in 1947, India became a democratic country. Democracy was a triumph for the masses and participatory politics ensured equality. But it also transformed some of these Royal dynasties which could adapt to the participatory politics of democracy into 'democratic dynasties'. It was quite normal then to consider some members of the royal families as leaders in some states and constituencies because of their association to popular parties or the non-existence of suitable leaders from the masses. Religion, community, caste and class prejudice was also a deterrent for anyone among the masses to come up as a leader which was very smartly exploited by these Royal dynasties.

With social and cultural shifts and also education citizens became aware of their rights and things changed gradually with time and new leaders came up and proved their mettle and worth in governance. Leaders from ethnic communities, unprivileged castes and minority religions and the masses at large started representing, became an active part of the government and also attained the highest offices. Aspirations among commoners augmented. But again over some time, a new breed of dynasty cropped up, the political dynasty where progenies pursued political legacy irrespective of competence starting a new era of "dynastic politics".

From Centre to State, political dynasties had strengthened their roots in the last 74 years. This is proved by the fact that 21 per cent of Member of Parliament (MPs) in the 2014 Lok Sabha belongs to some political dynasty, last UPA Government's Cabinet had 36 per cent and among the present BJP Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, 11 per cent have political dynastic linkage (statistics from public domain). Possession of political power has always ensured prosperity in this country. It will not be wrong to mention that in the garb of social service and patriotism these political dynasties simply preserved power within their families. The concentration of power and wealth has made dynastic politics and Nepotism synonymous.

In the current context of Indian politics, dynasties have consolidated their weight in every political sphere of the country both at the Centre and the states. The surprising factor is the success quotient. Politically naive second and third-generation progenies of these dynasties have become Chief Ministers and cabinet ministers of bigger states motivating inexperienced members of another political dynasty. This obnoxious trend has gone down to the level of Municipality and Panchayat governance also. Politics has been converted to the family business by these political dynasties over time as they influence even when they are out of power.

With a liberal outlook, it can be argued that delivery and performance matters more than legacy. But, it is unfortunate that the majority of the second or third generation of political dynasts do not possess basic competency to represent a state or constituency. Oblivious to the ground realities they enjoy patronage from their sycophants. Many young amateurish political progenies were made party candidates by the loyal party bootlickers and subsequently win elections riding on the party's popularity wave. This has deprived more eligible candidates and led to some amount of political inequality.

Dynasts to safeguard their political interests invariably need to keep their sycophants happy. Favouritism comes into play at this point compromising genuine public welfare and development. This scheme of things to keep the immediate loyalists happy has many times led to controversies and scams. Corrupt practices were overlooked and undermined.

While dynasties in business and Bollywood do not impact the general citizens much, political dynasties could impact the social, cultural and economic status of the nation. Now in the 21st century when we Indians have started believing ourselves as modern, educated, progressive and sensible- it's time to stop endorsing dynastic politics. When so many Indians could successfully lead global companies, innovate new ideas and technologies, attain recognition in various fields of literature, economics, social change initiatives etc, there shouldn't be any doubt why they couldn't excel in domestic politics. It's time for new first-generation selfless political leaders to come up and lead a change. It's time for both the political parties and the public at large to think rationally. It's obvious for the sycophants to continue garnering their benefits by supporting the dynasts. All political parties should bring in more accountability and select leaders through truthful inner-party democracy giving opportunity to competent altruistic leaders rather than uphold the political dynasties. Or else ego-centric, nepotism and exploitation will continue as the political dynasties can never overcome their brazen 'self-before-else' attitude. This will always be an impediment to the overall growth of the nation.