WHAT IS DYNASTY

Shanti Bhushan
Senior Advocate Supreme Court of India  

Recently, a strident debate had started on the various T. V. channels. This had evidently been inspired by the fast emergence of young Rahul Gandhi on the National scene, during the recent elections. Of course, there are many other sons of politicians, who are also making their mark on the political scene in different political parties. The important question is whether this is at all objectionable on the ground of “DYNASTY”.

What exactly is “Dynasty”? When organised societies emerged in the world, a need was felt for a Ruler, who would be given sovereign powers to maintain law and order among the people, which was necessary for the welfare of the members of the society. Thus, feudalism was born and when the societies became large enough to become Nations, a monarch was brought into being. When this king died, a successor had to take his place. Thus, the principle of Dynasty was evolved, and the eldest son became the king by custom. Kingship devolved on the heir as a matter of law by the law of succession. This was Dynasty during feudal times.

When feudalism gave way to democracy, the powers of the king were vested in a leader chosen by the people by means of an election, so that it will be ensured that he would exercise his powers for the welfare of the people at large, who had reposed their trust in him through their votes.

Under the Constitution of India, no one can become Prime Minister and lead a Government, merely on the basis of the law of succession. A constituency elects its members of Parliament by a free vote and the elected M.Ps are fully entitled to have a Prime Minister who has their support. If this majority desires to have a member of a political family as Prime Minister of the country, this cannot be faulted on the principle of “Dynasty”.

In my recently released Memoir “Courting Density” I had written the following: -

“People normally deprecate the concept of a dynasty in politics. They do not realize that the environment in which children grow has a tremendous impact on their thinking and attitudes. A son of a politician, therefore, may become a successful politician in his own right. He may get a head start due to his family background, but it is generally ignored that he becomes a successful politician only if he has the talent and works hard. Children of doctors or lawyers also have that advantage and many go on to become successful doctors or lawyers. But they achieve success in their profession only due to talent and hard work.”

Rahul Gandhi has already shown by his various public appearances and utterances, that he is a keen student of people's problems, particularly the poor and is prepared to work hard. He is also clearly serious in attempting to bring transparency in the functioning of political parties. He is not hesitant in socializing with the lowly and the poor. He has the genes and sacrifices of Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to inspire him. And he has a handsome dimpled face which can charm and floor any damsel in the country.

Even the c onstitution of the Indian National Congress does not provide the leadership of the party by succession.

If the Congress Party at some point does decide to have Rahul Gandhi as a Prime Minister, they would be fully entitled to do so, and in my opinion, it would not be a bad choice.

What are the attributes needed in a Prime Minister: He must have a strong common sense and should be prepared to work hard. He must have the welfare of the poor close to his heart and should be prepared to study different problems in depth. He need not be a genius. He can have any number of talented ministers in his cabinet to assist him and can harness the ablest people in different fields to assist the Government.

If in addition, Rahul can show a charisma with which he can win elections for his party, he will be an eminently successful Prime Minister.