Hooda's son makes political debut

Rohtak--Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's son Dipender is all set to make his foray into politics.

Dipender is one of the main candidates at the bypoll being held for the Rohtak parliamentary seat, which became vacant after his father's election to the assembly seat of Killoi.

The constituency has nearly 10.65 lakh voters, and there are 14 candidates in the race, apart from Hooda.

New generation

Dipender is making a seemingly smooth transition from a management career in the US to the dusty politics of Rohtak.

He says there is more to him than his political lineage, and his achievements include an MBS degree and a 99 per cent GMAT score.

"The Congress workers in my region had put a lot of pressure on me to join politics, and it had always been my ardent wish too," Dipender said.

"But I wanted to get an education before that, which is why I am a management graduate. I also wanted exposure to various cultures," he added.

Strong precedent

By launching his son into politics, the Chief Minister is following his predecessors' footsteps.

The defeat of former chief minister Om Parkash Chautala is largely attributed to the extra constitutional powers that his two sons assumed during his regime.

Another example, from Hooda's own party, is that of his bitter rival Bhajan Lal, whose son is already a member of the state assembly and the Lok Sabha.

Changing stand

In a state controlled by the three political dynasties—that of Bansi Lal, Bhajan Lal and Devi Lal—Hooda has often gone on record to say that no one from his family would join politics as long as he was an active politician himself.

But it is clear that once in power, the temptation is too strong to resist.

"Hooda got his son from abroad and imposed him on us. Those who talk about us as a dynasty are indulging in double standards," said Indian National Lok Dal leader, Ajay Chautala.

However, the Chief Minister had a different take on the situation.

"Dynastic politics is when someone is imposed on the public from the top, like what Devi Lal did with Chautala in Mehham," he said.

"Dipender was doing well for himself abroad. But it was the people's wish. Also, as Chief Minister I was not getting time to nurture my constituency," he added.

While it looks like Dipender Hooda is set to register his maiden win from Rohtak and enter the Lok sabha, it seems difficult to reconcile the dichotomy of the family factor and the strengthening of democracy in India.