Kerala follows rest of India in dynasty politics

KOCHI: Political commentators in the state often explain dynastic rule by citing examples from North Indian states. However, in the last past few years, the phenomenon has taken over the politics of even the most literate state — Kerala.

In the forthcoming assembly election, the candidates of nearly 16 seats in the 140 seat assembly are part of prominent political families. The sons and daughters of leading politicians of yesteryears are increasingly finding a place in the candidates list of both United Democratic Front (UDF) and Left Democratic Front (LDF).

In fact in the ruling UDF government led by Congress, five cabinet ministers were from leading political families of Kerala. All of them are contesting in this assembly election also.

The former CM of Kerala late CH Mohammed Koya’s son MK Muneer of IUML, is contesting from Kozikkode South. Muneer is a minister social work and panchayat in the Oommen Chandy cabinet.

KB Ganesh Kumar, who is now contesting from Pathanapuram with the support of LDF, is the son of former minister and chairman of Kerala Congress (B), R Balakrishna Pillai. Minister KP Mohanan (Socialist Janatha Democratic), son of former minister late PR Kurup, would contest from Koothuparambu.

When food and civil supplies minister TM Jacob (Kerala Congress-J) died his son Anoop Jacob was given the Piravom seat. After his victory, he was made a minister in the Oommen Chandy cabinet.