- By Engr. Mamoon Ahmad Khilji
Hereditary politics has long been a defining characteristic of the political landscape in the subcontinent, particularly in Pakistan, India, and Bengal. In these regions, political power has often been concentrated within a few elite families, making it difficult for outsiders to penetrate the political arena. However, recent developments in India and Bengal suggest that this trend may be waning, while in Pakistan, the legacy of hereditary politics continues to influence the political narrative.
In the subcontinent, hereditary politics has deep historical roots, stemming from the feudal system where political power and land ownership were passed down through generations. This system persisted even after the region transitioned to democratic governance, leading to the rise of powerful political dynasties. In Pakistan, the Bhutto family, beginning with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, established a political dynasty that continued with his daughter, Benazir Bhutto, and later her son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Similarly, the Sharif family, led by Nawaz Sharif, has maintained a significant presence in Pakistani politics, with Nawaz’s brother, Shehbaz Sharif, and daughter, Maryam nawaz, playing pivotal roles.
The rise of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Imran Khan marked a significant departure from the entrenched tradition of hereditary politics. PTI emerged as a third force in Pakistani politics, offering hope to those disillusioned by the dominance of political dynasties. Imran Khan’s leadership was seen as a break from the past, as he did not belong to a political family and had no direct successors within his family. Khan’s criticism of the Sharifs and Zardaris for perpetuating hereditary politics resonated with many Pakistanis, especially the younger generation. PTI’s manifesto emphasized meritocracy, and its success was built on the promise of ending nepotism and providing opportunities for ordinary citizens to participate in the political process.
However, recent developments within PTI suggest that the party may be veering away from its commitment to meritocracy. With Imran Khan currently imprisoned, his sister, Aleema Khan, has begun to position herself as a replacement for him. Aleema Khan has also been vocal in her criticism of key PTI leaders, such as Sher Afzal Marwat and Azam Swati, and has even spoken against Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi. These actions indicate a desire to assert her influence within the party and possibly assume a leadership role. Aleema Khan’s involvement in PTI’s leadership raises concerns among supporters who have long opposed hereditary politics. If PTI is perceived as following the same dynastic path it once criticized, it could lose its appeal as a party of change. Furthermore, Aleema Khan’s criticisms of the current leadership could create internal divisions within PTI, weakening the party at a critical time.
While hereditary politics remains a significant issue in Pakistan, recent developments in India suggest that this trend may be in decline. For decades, the Nehru-Gandhi family dominated Indian politics, with figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi holding significant influence. However, the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Narendra Modi marked a turning point in Indian politics. Modi, who does not come from a political dynasty, has successfully challenged the dominance of the Gandhi family. His ascent to power in 2014 signaled a shift in Indian politics, where merit and popular support began to outweigh family lineage. The BJP’s success in elections has further marginalized the Gandhi family’s influence, leading to what many see as the end of hereditary politics in India.
A similar trend is observed in Bengal, where the long-standing dominance of Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s family has been challenged. Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, led the country for several terms, solidifying her family’s political influence. However, recent political shifts have led to the toppling of her government, marking a significant change in the political landscape of Bengal. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government represents a broader trend in the region, where the public is increasingly rejecting hereditary politics in favor of leaders who rise through merit and popular support. This development suggests that the era of political dynasties may be coming to an end in Bengal as well.
Hereditary politics has long been a dominant force in the subcontinent, with powerful families wielding significant influence in Pakistan, India, and Bengal. However, recent developments suggest that this trend may be waning. In India, the rise of Narendra Modi and the decline of the Gandhi family’s influence signal a move away from dynastic politics. In Bengal, the fall of Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government marks the end of a political era dominated by her family. In Pakistan, however, the influence of hereditary politics persists, as evidenced by the recent involvement of Aleema Khan in PTI’s leadership. For PTI to maintain its credibility as a party of change, it must resist the lure of dynastic politics and stay true to its principles of meritocracy. The future of Pakistani politics will depend on the party’s ability to uphold these ideals in the face of increasing pressure.
- The writer is an Engineer by profession and writes as freelancer.