Chair leaders: a look at some of the political families in election-bound states | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Chair leaders: a look at some of the political families in election-bound states

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Nov 13, 2013 02:55 AM IST

As assembly elections in five states — billed as semi-finals before the final battle in 2014 — enter a decisive phase, dynastic politics is the flavour of the season and the advantage of lineage is easily discernible. Aurangzeb Naqshbandi writes.

“I agree it is undemocratic…but my position gives me certain advantages,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had once said about the dynastic politics.

HT Image
HT Image

As assembly elections in five states — billed as semi-finals before the final battle in 2014 — enter a decisive phase, dynastic politics is the flavour of the season and the advantage of lineage is easily discernible.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The Congress has often been accused of promoting the quota system and politics by inheritance. Ever since being anointed as the Congress vice-president, Gandhi has vowed to end the system that practices heirloom politics but the call appears far from being implemented.

The BJP too is fast catching up. BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had recently said at a public meeting in Bihar that he will stop calling Rahul Gandhi ‘shehzade’ or prince if the Congress promised to do away with dynastic politics.

But even his party has encouraged the trend in the poll-bound states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in the name of winnability.

Political families from both the Congress and the BJP have managed to get their share in distribution of tickets despite strong resistance.

“Fact is, we are in politics to win elections…Winnability is an important consideration. Which party won’t strive to form a government?” a Congress functionary asked. “A brand name sells and voters connect immediately.”

Leaders from both the parties have repeatedly maintained that the family names help one to get an identity in politics but its sustainability depends on the person’s actions.


Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on Election 2024, India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Aurangzeb Naqshbandi covers politics and keeps a close watch on developments in Jammu & Kashmir. He has been a journalist for 16 years.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On