Why Nepotism is Detrimental in Politics

Nepotism continues to be a pervasive issue within political parties, despite the rhetoric against it. This article investigates the prevalence of nepotism within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its implications for meritocracy, electoral fairness, and the overall health of democratic systems.

The Case of Anurag Thakur

One notable example of nepotism within BJP is the case of Anurag Thakur, the eldest son of Prem Kumar Dhumal. Thakur's entry into high-profile positions within the Bharatiya Cricket Control Committee (BCC) raises questions about the merit-based criteria for such appointments. Thakur, who was not a first-class cricketer, managed to become the Indian junior selector for cricket.

The November Surprise: Thakur as Captain

A remarkable and controversial incident occurred in November, 2022, where Thakur, without previous cricketing experience, was announced as the captain of the Himachal Pradesh Ranji team for a match against Jammu and Kashmir. This unorthodox appointment, typical in the Indian bureaucratic framework, ended in a disaster for Thakur as a batsman, scoring a big zero. However, he managed to secure two late-order wickets, which was enough to garner support for his future positions.

Thakur's Rapid Rise in Political Feudalism

Thakur's trajectory from a mere amateur player to a national selector and eventually to ministerial positions is indicative of nepotistic practices. Despite not being a first-class cricketer, Thakur utilized his familial relationship to advance his career, thereby bypassing the merit-based selection process. Currently, Thakur holds the positions of Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the Second Modi ministry.

Jay Shah: The Fastest ascent in Nepotism

The case of Jay Shah, the son of India’s Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, further exemplifies the pervasiveness of nepotism in BJP. Jay Shah's wealth and power have skyrocketed in a remarkably short span, increasing by 16,000 times within a year, generating significant revenue for his company. His meteoric rise culminated in 2019 when he was appointed as the BCCI Secretary, a position that oversees one of the most significant sporting organizations in India. Additionally, Jay Shah holds the presidency of the Asian Cricket Council, cementing his influence in international cricket.

Economical and Political Clout

Unlike Thakur, Jay Shah's rapid ascent in wealth and political influence has been due to his strong familial connections rather than merit. His wealth increasing from Rs 50,000 to over Rs 8,000,000 in a single year is unprecedented and indicative of the nepotistic system at work. His family's political standing, coupled with his company's financial successes, has enabled him to position himself at a significant nexus of power.

Broader Implications of Nepotism in Politics

Nepotism within political parties undermines the principles of meritocracy, as individuals who are not necessarily the most qualified or appropriate for leadership roles are often favored due to their familial connections. This can lead to a lack of competition within political parties to select the most suitable leaders, potentially allowing select individuals to pass on their social capital to their children or other relatives.

Impact on Voters and Leadership

Voters often follow leaders based on their popularity and connections rather than their policies, which can lead to a preference for leadership continuity over positive change. This practice also reduces the effectiveness of political organizations and parties, as their members may prioritize nepotistic connections over organizational goals. Furthermore, a system where connections and personal relationships determine political careers may diminish the overall quality of governance and public service.

Conclusion

Nepotism, whether it exists within the Bharatiya Janata Party or other political parties, hinders the democratic process by undermining meritocracy and fairness. It is imperative for political parties to establish transparent and merit-based systems for selecting leaders and appointments, thereby ensuring that leadership is based on ability and public service rather than personal connections.