With Indira being considered the only ‘man’ in her government and leading a kitchen cabinet, no one dared oppose Sanjay. He was her favourite son too. He knew this only too well and carried on with a hideous agenda that did not spare Muslims. If that was something, more was to come. To control the Indian population, he went on a sterilisation drive. Men were scared to step out of their homes lest they be taken to camps and were operated upon. Even young boys were not spared during the sterilisation drive. Delhiites were literally scared of this political son, who did what he liked without the least concern for consequences or values. With his death, many heaved a sigh of relief. Like father, like son. If Sanjay went round sterilising Muslim men, Varun Gandhi opened his political score with the infamous hate speech against Muslims in Pilibhit. He later said he was misquoted and that the CDs were doctored. The Utar Pradesh government filed a case against him and the matter is still pending. In the meantime, has went ahead and won the election. But is this the way to stoop to conquer? If a well-known Gandhi family member can do this, what about scores of upcoming politicians, who will take recourse to similar tactics to gain peoples’ attention. What example is being set before a young India by a young man?

If you are a famous name in politics, all paths are cleared. And if there are blockades, they are flattened out in no time. Take the case of Rahul Gandhi. The Vice Chancellor of Chandra Shekhar Azad Agricultural Univeristy, Kanpur V K Suri had to resign as the university auditorium, where Rahul was to address the students, was locked at the behest of the Mayawati government. University Chancellor and UP Governor Rajeswar took a serious view of the cancellation and Suri had to submit his resignation. It appears that even academia is not untouched by the sun (solar) effect. After all, a Gandhi son was insulted, so the VC had to resign. Rahul may himself not be a PG but a doctorate holder and it appears that a VC is insignificant before him. This is power of a political son. Who knew of Rahul Mahajan, who is in the news now because of multiple appearances on TV shows? Pramod Mahajan’s son was not a politician yet his father’s death brought him into the limelight. And soon his junkie habits came to the fore when he was hospitalised after an alleged cocaine overdose in 2006. He was arrested for drug possession and consumption. He subsequently married and divorced in 2008. He is currently a regular on TV shows and the less said about him, the better. Lets just end by saying that Rahul Mahajan  hasn’t contributed to anything in Indian politics but that has set a dangerous precedent for youth.

If you are born to a political family, you may be a natural politician. You may not know about the State or its people but that can be taken care of by your advisors. The political sun issues pre-prepared statements and wears top-of-the-line designer clothes, drives around in plush cars and holidays abroad. These are the things that make the news everyday. If there is mayhem, then he visits his constituency and issues a stern speech. The matter ends there and quickly returns to his comforts. Take the case of Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He doesn’t even look cut-out for politics. Take one look at him and it becomes clear. But being his dad’s son, he had to cut his teeth in politics. He announced his resignation over the sex scandal allegations but he is back in business as the CBI and the governor gave him a clean chit. If his resignation was accepted, he would have heaved a sigh of relief. Now he has to work hard on his credibility. He cannot make a decision without giving in to New Delhi. If he gets orders from the Centre, he signs on the dotted line. Why should he occupy the chair of CM if he doesn’t have a mind of his own? It would do him good to live the life he is accustomed to rather than to be in the grind of politics. But then he would not get any media mileage. Poor Omar!

If these are the prime examples of Indian prime political sons, one dreads to think of lesser-known ones. The bigger the name, the worst he can do and there is no one to question him. For these sons, the sun will never set. It is said, khuda meherban to gadha pehelwan. We hope that the Indian populace becomes more discerning in time, instead of repeatedly rooting for name and image.