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 | Momma's boy: Bilawal should shun realpolitik Our Correspondent The way Benazir Bhutto planned her succession, and her husband Asif Ali Zardari executed it, underlines the deep feudal roots of Pakistani politics. Political dynasties are not unknown to India, but they are not so forthrightly promoted in our country. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who is the solitary decision-maker in the grand old party, did not thrust her greenhorn son Rahul on the nation in the wake of the 2004 victory; he has not even been given a ministry. Indira Gandhi, too, did not make Rajiv a portfolio when she decided to bring him to politics after Sanjay's death. Jawaharlal Nehru did not give Indira any official responsibility. Former UP chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav did not make Akhilesh a Cabinet member. In Pakistan, however, things are much different. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), in particular, is little more than a closely held family firm in the political market. Benazir's father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, ran it in such a fashion—and succeeded while the going was good. Interestingly, there was never a significant voice for democratic reforms within the party; the leaders and activists, as also the people of Pakistan, accepted the PPP as a Bhutto family business. Zardari also ensured that his Benazir's son, Bilawal, and not himself came to the fore, for he knows pretty well that in feudal societies bloodline matters more than competence, dedication and diligence. In such a milieu, the young Bilawal faces many daunting challenges but also has many several opportunities. "The party's long and historic struggle for democracy will continue with renewed vigour. And I stand committed to the stability of the federation. My mother always said democracy is the best revenge." Noble sentiments, fine words, but he has to ensure that these do not remain confined to rhetoric, that democracy does not become an empty slogan, that feudal practices and venality do not thrive in the guise of democracy. In a way, this is asking too much from a chap who is not even out of his teens. Besides, expecting him to act against feudalism may be seen as self-destructive. But, we believe, there is no way out. Bilawal cannot talk about democracy in the country and smother it within his own party. Further, he has to shun realpolitik as much as possible. His mother as well as grandfather followed few rules in the political arena. This made them successful for some time, but they had to pay a heavy price for their political opportunism which often bordered on cynicism. Bilawal should not try to take the path well trodden. For his own sake, and for the sake of his nation. Posted on : 1/5/2008 Mail this article to your friend |