Dynastic politics 'grave threat' to Indian democracy: Shashi Tharoor

By Admin

04 Nov, 2025

Introduction
Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, has sparked a national debate with his latest article for Project Syndicate, titled “Indian Politics Are a Family Business.” In his piece, Tharoor strongly criticized the prevalence of dynastic politics across India’s political landscape, calling it a “grave threat” to the democratic fabric of the nation. He emphasized that India must now trade “dynasty for meritocracy” to ensure a healthier political ecosystem rooted in competence, commitment, and public service.

The Core of Tharoor’s Argument
Tharoor stated that when political power is determined by lineage rather than ability, commitment, or grassroots engagement, the quality of governance inevitably suffers. He pointed out that nepotism and hereditary succession have deeply penetrated Indian politics, eroding democratic values and creating a system where surnames often overshadow substance. According to him, this trend narrows the talent pool and leads to governance that is detached from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

Beyond the Congress Party
While Tharoor acknowledged the historical influence of the Nehru-Gandhi family in shaping modern India, he made it clear that dynastic succession is not exclusive to the Congress Party. “This idea has penetrated Indian politics across every party, in every region, and at every level,” he wrote. Citing numerous examples, Tharoor mentioned how Biju Patnaik was succeeded by his son Naveen Patnaik in Odisha, Mulayam Singh Yadav by Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, and Ram Vilas Paswan by Chirag Paswan in Bihar. He also pointed to the Thackerays in Maharashtra, the Abdullahs and Muftis in Jammu and Kashmir, the Badals in Punjab, the Rao family in Telangana, and the Karunanidhi family in Tamil Nadu, among others.

Not Just an Indian Problem
Extending his analysis beyond India’s borders, Tharoor observed that the phenomenon of political dynasties is widespread across South Asia. He cited examples such as the Bhuttos and Sharifs in Pakistan, the Sheikh and Zia families in Bangladesh, and the Bandaranaikes and Rajapaksas in Sri Lanka. However, Tharoor stressed that in India    the world’s largest democracy    the normalization of such politics poses a particularly serious challenge to the principles of equality and representation.

Political Reactions and Controversy
Tharoor’s remarks quickly drew sharp responses from across the political spectrum. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to seize upon his comments, calling his article “insightful.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked that Tharoor had launched “a direct attack on India’s nepo kid Rahul Gandhi and chota nepo kid Tejaswi Yadav.” Another BJP spokesperson, C.R. Kesavan, described the article as a “scathing attack” on the Nehru-Gandhi family, interpreting Tharoor’s words as an internal critique of Congress leadership.

Within the Congress Party, Tharoor’s statements have reportedly caused unease, especially following earlier controversies over his comments on India-Pakistan relations and the Pahalgam attack. Many Congress leaders questioned his intentions, suggesting that Tharoor was increasingly distancing himself from the party’s official line.

Call for Reform and Merit-Based Politics
Tharoor concluded his article by advocating for deep structural reforms within Indian politics. He proposed legally mandated term limits and genuine internal party elections as steps toward breaking the cycle of hereditary leadership. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of educating and empowering voters to choose leaders based on merit rather than family legacy. “As long as Indian politics remains a family enterprise,” he warned, “the true promise of democracy  government of the people, by the people, for the people    cannot be fully realised.”

Conclusion
By declaring dynastic politics a grave threat to Indian democracy, Shashi Tharoor has reignited a crucial national conversation. His remarks underline the urgent need to restore meritocracy and transparency in political leadership. Whether the Indian political class heeds this call for reform remains to be seen, but Tharoor’s words serve as a timely reminder that democracy thrives not through inheritance, but through the people’s faith in capable, accountable leaders chosen for their merit    not their lineage.