The article by Shashi Tharoor titled "Indian Politics Are a Family Business," published in Project Syndicate, argues that the prevalence of political dynasties in India severely undermines the quality of governance and poses a grave threat to Indian democracy.
Tharoor highlights that political power being determined by lineage rather than merit, ability, or grassroots engagement results in poorer governance. He calls for fundamental reforms such as legally mandated term limits, meaningful internal party elections, and voter education to shift India from dynasty to meritocracy.
70% of female MPs were from a dynastic background. Dynastic politics is widespread across parties and regions in India and entrenched at all levels of governance.
Here is an approximate duration of rule or political prominence for the major political dynasties in India:
- Nehru-Gandhi Family: Dominant since India’s independence in 1947. Jawaharlal Nehru was PM from 1947 to 1964, followed by Indira Gandhi for about 17 years intermittently, then Rajiv Gandhi, and recently Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Roughly 75+ years of political prominence and influence.
- Abdullah Family (Jammu & Kashmir): Political dominance spanning three generations starting from Sheikh Abdullah in 1940s to his son Farooq Abdullah and grandson Omar Abdullah. Nearly 80 years.
- Badal Family (Shiromani Akali Dal): Parkash Singh Badal was Punjab CM five times from 1970 to 2017 spanning nearly five decades. His son Sukhbir Badal succeeded him. Approx. 50+ years.
- Mulayam Singh Yadav Family (Samajwadi Party): Mulayam Singh Yadav was active since the 1970s, founded SP in 1992, and his family has dominated Uttar Pradesh politics since then. Roughly 50+ years political involvement, 30+ years of dynasty dominance.
- Sharad Pawar's political family has been influential for over five decades. He entered politics in 1967 and served multiple terms as Maharashtra's Chief Minister. His daughter, nephew, and grandnephew are active politicians, maintaining the family's presence since the late 1960s.
- H.D. Deve Gowda's family has had political prominence for about 60 years. He began his career in the early 1960s, served as Karnataka's Chief Minister from 1994 to 1996, and was Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997. His sons and grandsons continue to play key roles in Karnataka politics.
- Thackeray Family (Shiv Sena): Founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, with political dominance in Maharashtra from mid-1990s on. His son Uddhav Thackeray took over in 2004 and was CM 2019-2022. About 50+ years of political influence.
- Karunanidhi Family (DMK): M. Karunanidhi dominated Tamil Nadu politics for 50+ years until his death in 2018, with his son M.K. Stalin succeeding him and continuing dynasty influence.
- K. Chandrashekar Rao Family (Bharat Rashtra Samithi/TRS): Rao began political career in 1970s, became Telangana CM from 2014-present. Around 50+ years of political activity with recent dynasty prominence.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav: Rose to prominence as Bihar CM from 1990 to 1997, dominant in Bihar politics via Rashtriya Janata Dal since the early 1990s and continuing through his family. Roughly 30+ years.
- Mufti Family (Jammu & Kashmir): Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and daughter Mehbooba Mufti have ruled intermittently since late 20th century, roughly 30-40 years.
- Naveen Patnaik Family (Biju Janata Dal): Naveen Patnaik has been Odisha’s Chief Minister continuously since 2000, succeeding his father Biju Patnaik’s legacy. Over 25 years of leadership.
- Ram Vilas Paswan Family: Ram Vilas Paswan was active from late 1960s until his death in 2020, forming Lok Janshakti Party in 2000 continuing his legacy. Over 50 years.