WE OFTEN see Indian leaders being honoured with royal attributes by the Indian public at large. Even the electronic media is obsessed with royalty and never loses a chance to bestow our leaders with titles which befit kings and queens. Rahul is called Yuvraj, Sonia empress and Manmohan Singh king. Taking over as PM or CM is described as Tajposhi(crowning).

The people around our leaders are not only shown as durbaaris but also behave as durbaaris in the times of royalty .The leaders are invariably presented regal mementoes, royal arms of old times like swords, clubs, spears etc. Their sons and daughters are considered most befitting persons to inherit the rulership of their constituency and ministerial berth. The latest example is Karunanidhi who is bargaining hard for ministerial berths in the Central cabinet for his family members.

Why is Indian polity so obsessed with sovereignty and regal attributes?

The US Presidential elections were held recently. Why was Obama not called king or emperor and honoured accordingly?

Elections are also held in other countries like the UK, Canada, Japan, Russia and in some countries of Europe too. Do we see their leaders being honoured with royal attributes? Why is this an obsession in India?