How does dynastic politics affect the quality of democracy in India?

Dynastic politics refers to the dominance of political families in the leadership and functioning of political parties and government institutions. In India, this phenomenon is widespread across national and regional parties. The prevalence of dynastic politics can undermine the core principles of democracy in several ways:

• Limits Political Competition: Dynastic politics often restricts entry for candidates without family connections, reducing healthy competition and merit-based selection in politics.
• Weakens Internal Party Democracy: Leadership positions are frequently inherited rather than earned, discouraging internal debate and the rise of grassroots leaders within parties.
• Reduces Accountability: Dynastic leaders may feel less accountable to the public, relying on family reputation rather than performance, which can lead to complacency and poor governance.
• Discourages Citizen Participation: Ordinary citizens may feel alienated or discouraged from participating in politics, believing that leadership positions are reserved for a select few families.
• Perpetuates Patronage and Nepotism: Dynastic leaders may prioritize the interests of their family and associates, leading to favoritism, corruption, and weak institutions.
• Undermines Equality: The dominance of political families contradicts the democratic principle of equality of opportunity, as it creates an uneven playing field for aspiring leaders.
• Influences Policy Priorities: Policy decisions might be influenced by the interests of powerful families rather than the broader public good.