Dynastic politics 'grave threat' to Indian democracy: Shashi Tharoor

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said dynastic politics across the political spectrum poses a "grave threat" to Indian democracy and asserted that it is high time India traded "dynasty for meritocracy".

He said that when political power is determined by lineage rather than ability, commitment, or grassroots engagement, the quality of governance suffers.

In an article for international media organisation Project Syndicate, the Thiruvananthapuram MP pointed out that while the Nehru-Gandhi family is associated with the Congress, dynastic succession prevails across the political spectrum.

Meanwhile, the BJP latched on to Mr. Tharoor's remarks, calling it a "very insightful piece" on how Indian politics has become a family business.

"He [Tharoor] has launched a direct attack on India