This refers to Devangshu Datta's column "The axioms of dynastic democracy" (Viewpoint, June 15). As the success of dynastic succession in corporate India shows (with the Birla and Tata groups as shining examples for a century), it is not an evil per se if accompanied by proper training of the heir apparent. The need for such careful grooming in polity is even more since the stakes involve national interest. Dynastic succession irrespective of merit still prevails, despite the fact that voters have discarded such policy whenever they had a better and clear alternative. Indira Gandhi lost power in 1977 to Jai Prakash Narayan-inspired coalition in 1977, Rajiv Gandhi to V P Singh in 1989 and Sonia Gandhi to Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999. At the state level, fluctuating fortunes of the DMK confirm the voting presence for meritorious leadership. It is unfortunate that political parties refuse to read the electorate's message. Now the malaise has gripped the BJP, too, which has extended succession planning from a father to godfather - the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Beneficiaries like Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh and Narendra Modi occupy key positions even as more capable leaders like Sushma Swaraj wait in the wings.
Y G Chouksey Pune
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