Political Legatees
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections reveal a persistent trend in Indian politics: the dominance of political dynasties. A recent study shows that one in four candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are political legatees, highlighting a troubling pattern where family connections significantly influence political participation. This phenomenon raises critical questions about meritocracy and the accessibility of political careers to ordinary citizens.
Political legacies confer undeniable advantages. Candidates with familial ties in politics often have access to substantial resources, extensive networks, and media exposure, which can be pivotal in election campaigns. This creates a formidable barrier for newcomers from non-political backgrounds, who may struggle to match the financial and social capital of their dynastic counterparts. As a result, the political landscape is skewed in favour of those with inherited influence, perpetuating a cycle of power concentration........
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