Is India a democracy rule or dynasty rule?

 India is a democracy by definition but a dynasty by function. From politics to business to cinema, family is the preferred choice when it comes to succession.

 The Ambanis and Birlas did not think twice before handing over the reins of their largest conglomerates to their sons. While Mukesh and Anil Ambani squabbled fiercely over the division of their widespread wealth, Kumaramangalam Birla took over the baton when his father passed away at an early age. With the exception of Tatas, most businesses including the reputed TVS hold power within their household.  This is neither surprising nor questionable since most of them were started off as home run, small scale businesses. They grew into a gargantuan enterprise with the able leadership and keen business acumen of their founders. Therefore the need to keep the steering wheel in their hands is somehow justified.

 The same is true in the world of cinema. From acclaimed production houses to actors, the career choice is clear even in the womb. Established stars have paved the way for their children to debut. Some sparkled under the spotlights while others wilted away to oblivion. But in cinema it is merely the entry that is cushioned and they succeed on their own merit. So while being unfair, it is not detrimental to use the influence of your parents to make a mark in your career of choice.

 But when it comes to politics it may not be insightful to allow this kingship kingdom to flourish. But from Abdullahs in Kashmir to Karunanidhis in Tamil Nadu to Yadavs in UP and finally to the Nehru clan bang in the center, India is ruled dynastically rather than democratically. Can we excuse this passage of power from parent to progeny?

 The alarming consequence of this clannish governance is inertia. Rahul Gandhi, the person touted as the frontrunner of the Congress party in the coming elections emerges from the crevices merely to campaign. This youth icon failed to address the nation that was seething with rage over the Delhi gang rape case. Can his inaction and lethargy be attributed to the fact that his claim to the throne had already been made by birth? His leadership strategy for the most part has been nonexistent. Is that good enough for a nation in the brink of an economic upheaval? Neither known for his oratorical skills nor for his political acumen, he doesn’t have to fight, prove his worth nor work his way to the top for the crown will come calling and land in his lap. This could prove dangerous for a nation thirsty for able political leadership now more than ever.

 If this is the case is the center, the Abdullah tribe has ruled the volatile region of Kashmir for three generations. From Sheik to Farooq to Omar the leadership has barely crossed their living rooms. Omar Abdullah seemed committed to the peace process of Jammu & Kashmir to the extent of orchestrating a rendezvous with the Pakistani President despite earning the Center’s wrath. But the Abdullah clout rose to prominence during the cover up of the rape and murder charge of Shopian women. Would his actions have differed in the absence of a family umbrella to seek shade under?

 Closer home, the DMK has finally managed to pick a leader to follow the footsteps of their patriarchal leader. It comes as no surprise that the youth wing leader at the age of 60 is the one endorsed by his father. MK Stalin was long touted to be the next in line with MK Alagiri and Kanimozhi appeased with a berth in Parliament. Stalin seems well versed in coalition politics and regional alliances having served his father for more than a decade. He was imprisoned during emergency and also served as Chennai City Mayor. His political docket has been constructed with a single-minded focus of assuming authority. Does concentrating on power to remain within the walls distract men in command from the task at hand?

 While aping the west might not work for our nation, dynasty politics focused on amassing power with right surnames can also not be tolerated. Surely, as citizens we can demand diversity. Let the prodigal child rise to power as the people’s real choice and not as their only choice. Isn’t that how a democracy functions? Or have we forgotten that altogether?