New Delhi:
Nepotism has always been an integral part of Indian politics. A lawmaker’s offspring following his guardian's footsteps has now become an obvious exercise in India-specially in regional politics. Apart from Gandhis, there have been many dynasts like Pattnayaks, Yadavs(In Bihar and UP), Abdullahs, Chaudharies and so on. Ironically, the leaders who didn't scatter their legacy are usually the ones who didn't marry.
Poll bound Bihar which once became the turf for 1977 JP revolution, is witnessing what can be seen as an archetypal of nepotism in India.
A kindred obsessed Manjhi when took office as Bihar CM, made his son-in-law his personal assistant. No surprises, when the party declared its first list on Monday, all the relatives were given preferences. In a list of 13 members, one is from Manjhi's family, and three others are his close relatives. The ex-cm has given a ticket to his son Santosh Kumar from Kutumba(reserved seat) and is expected to announce his another son Devendra Kumar from Masaurhi (reserved seat) in Patna district.
Chirag Paswan, Chairman of political affairs committee of the party and scion of LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, who himself is an example of dynasty politics, announced a list which displayed blatant nepotism in the party. The party which is contesting on 43 seats has kept 3 out of 12 announced in its kindred by far by giving tickets to Paswan’s brother and nephew, more tickets to relatives are expected.
Rashtriya Janata Dal(RJD) led by Lalu Yadav will also be seen spreading the dynast phenomenon in the state. Lalu’s sons Tej Pratap and Tejasvi Yadav are both contesting the elections this time. His Daughter Misa Bharti-who lost Pataliputra Lok Sabha seat in 2014-is likely to contest from Danapur or Maner assembly seat. This will also give rise to the speculations about Lalu’s successor.
The charge of dynasty politics was once thrown at a single national party in India. But it’s sad to see that regional parties-which form the soul of federalism in Indian democracy-are indulged in widespread nepotism today. A politician’s offspring can by no means be stopped from entering politics, but catapulting them to governing posts regardless of any merit is not at all a good sign for democracy.
