Dynastic Politics

It refers to introduction of Aditya Thackeray, grandson of Bal Thackeray, as future political heir of Shiv Sena. Dynastic politics is among many political evils in Indian democratic system with most regional parties being run like family shops for personal interest rather than national or party interest. Only recently RJD boss Lal Prasad introduced his son Tejaswi as his political heir.

Even in case of Shiv Sena, Bal Thackeray’s love for his own son Udhav Thackeray being made his political heir in preference to his more-aggressive nephew towards policies and goals of Shiv Sena, resulted in creation of a new party by Raj Thackeray challenging the parent party Shiv Sena.

Much can be improved if an upper-age limit of say 65 years may be fixed to contest direct elections not only to effectively check with unholy practice of dynastic politics, but also to induce talented and deserving youth rather than heirs of political bosses into political system.