The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Of political dynasts

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Thursday, Jan 03, 2008
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Of political dynasts

This refers to the editorial “Political dynasts and martyrdom” (January 1). The Indian political dynasty, represented by the Gandhi-Nehru family, was the nerve centre of a century-long freedom struggle and made sacrifices of the highest order. Its pro-poor concerns were genuine. Nehru trudged into every part of the country, interacted with the masses and gained a deep insight into the problems they faced. Decades of freedom struggle built a solid relationship between him and the led. No other political dynasty of South Asia can compare with the illustrious political family of India.

The democrat in Nehru stood for debate and discussions with even his bitter critics. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi never shirked their duties as democrats either. The Bandaranaikes of Sri Lanka were staunch democrats too.

But Pakistan was a political disaster from the word go. There is neither democracy, republicanism nor constitutional rule of law there.

P. Krishnan,

Puttaparthy

* * *

Doctors’ children become doctors and actors’ children, actors. Similarly, politicians’ children become politicians. Politics, after all, is a full-time, lifelong career and business.

Big business houses, who underwrite the expensive election process, prefer known entities to untested upstarts. During times of deep division and uncertainty, electorates also turn to the comfort of continuity offered by dynastic heirs — unfortunately, assassinations also haunt the land during such periods.

Thiruvengadam Ramakrishnan,

Richmond, Texas

* * *

It is some vested interests who reap the benefits of catapulting inexperienced relatives of popular leaders to centre stage after their exit. When the oldest and most advanced democracy with well-established institutions has been suffering at the hands of a political heir in the White House for eight years, is it any wonder that South Asian countries have been following decades of dynastic politics?

While a groomed leader can promote the agenda of the one who grooms him, it requires a natural leader to advance the agenda of the country and its people. Unfortunately, democracies in capitalistic societies marginalise natural leaders and promote puppets. This should explain the instability that haunts South Asia.

Basheer A. Khan,

Garden Grove, California

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