May Democracy rest in peace

May Democracy rest in peace…
I’ve deliberately given such a morose title to my blog because of the disturbing event that has completely emasculated the very foundations on which democracy rests. Three innocent people lost their lives in mob violence at Madurai which broke out at the Dinakaran office (Tamil daily newspaper). The reason- a poll conducted by the newspaper asking public opinion on whom between Stalin and Azhagiri, would be the able “successor” of DMK heavyweight M. Karunanidhi?
I was brought up with the view that in a democracy there is no room for a word like “successor”, “regime”, “dynasty” etc. for those belonged to monarchy and despotic rule which India took pride in abnegating. But a clear look at contemporary state of Indian politics, this notion would be negated. The so called “young blood” that we love to love be it Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Milind Deora, Supriya Sule, Priya Dutt and of course- how can I forget the revered, admired souls- Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra (I heard she doesn’t like being called a ‘Gandhi’, so be it.) invariably has a strong political background- a political family. Is this the kind of democracy the crusaders of our independence aspired for? I doubt…
Till the times of Indira Gandhi, things hadn’t completely gone out of hand as she was actively involved in politics (she was a minister), but once Rajiv Gandhi entered the scene, the definition of Indian democracy changed like never before…masses are also to be blamed for this sorry state of democratic institution in India. We still have poor, illiterate, rural masses who revere the kids of politicians as ‘chhote sarkar’ (young master) and admire Sonia Gandhi because she is the Gandhi bahu (daughter-in-law) and is so gori (fair skinned). Royalty is still looked upon with loads of awe and the ex royal title holders get to taste their popularity once they contest elections. It’s pathetic and disgusting to say the least! Unfortunately, we progressed from monarchy to dream of a democracy but ultimately ended up having a hydra-like oligarchy! I feel we’d have been better off with a monarchy than this- at least there would be one single ruler and people would know whom to admire rather that get ‘confused’ over so many options of chhote sarkars!