Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Why so much attraction towards such dynasty rule?' that was published in Newsband

Why so much attraction towards such dynasty rule?

The 2014 electoral mandate was against dynasty rule. In the aftermath of its worst-ever electoral defeat, the Congress is refusing to come to terms with its precipitous situation, retreating into a defence of its “first family”, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, rather than rigorously examining the causes of its ignominious defeat. The party still places full faith in the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul, both of whom offered to step down, only to take back their resignations in the face of party protests, which were expected.

The Congress Working Committee spoke of a “thorough revamp of the organisation at all levels,” leaving out the two leaders from the scope of the exercise. The tragic truth is that the Congress has paid a huge price by indulging Rahul Gandhi at the cost of other potential leadership talent. If Sonia had selected any of the senior leaders in Congress other than her son Rahul to lead the party in election, they would have done well in election. The senior leaders in Congress, no matter how experienced, are totally neglected.

As far as Congress is concerned, Dynasty is openly being placed before party.

The demand for Priyanka shows laziness of Congress leaders, who want that the family should somehow get them power.

Bharatiya Janata Party with its inherent strength of Cadre and Good pool of talented people and experienced honest leadership of Narendra Modi is not going to fritter away the advantage easily. The Minorities will also gravitate towards it after experiencing the benefits. The biggest challenge to Congress will be from AAP, which will occupy the opposition space and will correct itself. So the next major election will be between AAP and BJP.

As long as Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister, it was Hindu dynasty. When Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister, it was Parsee dynasty owing to the fact that Indira had married a Parsee. Rajeev Gandhi, the next PM, also was representing the Parsee dynasty. Sonia Gandhi who indirectly ruled India and so also Rahul Gandhi (If he had to become a PM) could be said to belong to Parsee dynasty and to a certain extent Catholic dynasty. If Priyanka Gandhi comes to power in the future, she will be as good as representing Catholic dynasty. One cannot comprehend why many Indians wanted this kind of dynasty which was at the cost of majority community viz. Hindus?

Given the abject servility and sycophancy exhibited by one and all in the party, the Congress has lost all credibility with the common man who has at long last realized that the dynasty has no intention of giving up its stranglehold on power and pelf despite all the theatrics. It is high time that the family retires permanently from politics gracefully and let others have a chance.

In the Western world, if the leader of the party cannot get through his party in the election with a clear mandate, he decides to quit the leadership post. Many great heads have rolled having failed to get the approval rating from the voting public in the election. Such custom has been in vogue - even for proven prime Ministers and Premiers! India can boast of its democracy only if the parties also hold ethics and moral values in owning defeat and quitting posts without waiting.