Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
Many political leaders in our country possess deep political experience because they began their journey through student unions such as National Students’ Union of India, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Students’ Federation of India, and Democratic Youth Federation of India.
These organizations gave leaders valuable grassroots experience and direct interaction with ordinary people.
Such leaders understood the struggles of common citizens because they themselves came from humble backgrounds.
They travelled among the people, addressed workers by name, and worked their way up through years of dedication and sacrifice.
Most of them never experienced an ultra-luxurious lifestyle during their early political careers. Their strongest quality was their close connection with the common man.
Today, however, the country is witnessing a decline in such grassroots leadership.College political activities are no longer encouraged as they once were, and student unions are gradually losing importance.
As a result, political parties are producing fewer leaders who truly understand the struggles of ordinary workers and citizens.
There are several examples of leaders who rose from student politics to major leadership positions. Newly elected V. D.Satheesan reportedly began his political journey through the National Students’ Union of India.
During that period, Salim Ahamed, who served as a national in-charge of the organization, played an important role in encouraging young political talent.
Present Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation chairman Aaradhya is also considered part of that generation of politically active youth leaders.
Unfortunately, many parties today prefer dynasty politics. Senior leaders often promote their sons and daughters into politics even when they lack grassroots experience.
Posters and banners prominently display family members who have never worked among party workers or faced political struggles.
This culture weakens the foundation of political parties and discourages ordinary workers who spend years working in difficult conditions under the sun and rain for the party’s success.
At the same time, wealthy businesspersons who sponsor private jets, helicopters, and expensive campaigns for political leaders often receive large government contracts and benefits in return.
Yet during elections, many of these same individuals may support or vote for other parties based on business interests rather than ideology or loyalty.
In Tamil Nadu, critics argue that excessive preference given to business interests over grassroots workers damaged the image of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government and weakened its connection with ordinary people.
In contrast, leaders such as D. K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah are often seen as leaders who built their careers through strong public support and mass connection.
Leaders with genuine people’s backing can survive political challenges because they maintain direct contact with voters.
Recently, questions have also been raised about appointments of individuals to important party and government positions despite limited political experience.
Critics argue that such leaders may not fully understand the sacrifices and dedication of ordinary party workers because they have never gone through those struggles themselves.
Recently, I noticed that a woman in Karnataka was appointed as a General Secretary in a political party and was soon after nominated as a member of a government board.
Nowadays, many people visit Delhi, take photographs with senior leaders, and later use those pictures to project themselves as highly connected individuals in order to gain influential positions.
This particular appointment was reportedly recommended by a senior politician. The real question is: what political experience does she actually have? In many cases, money and high-level connections seem to matter more than grassroots work and dedication.
In reality, such positions should be given to ordinary party workers who have spent years working among the people, strengthening the organization, and standing with the party during difficult times.
Loyal grassroots workers often remain ignored, while influential newcomers quickly rise to powerful posts through connections and lobbying.
Another concern is that some leaders allegedly prevent capable individuals from their own communities from rising within politics out of fear of losing influence.
Such practices discourage emerging talent and create frustration among party cadres.
Political parties across India must seriously monitor these trends.
A party can survive and grow only when it encourages leaders who have genuine public support and grassroots experience.
If parties continue to promote only recommended candidates, family dynasties, or politically inexperienced individuals, they risk losing the trust of ordinary workers and voters alike.
India’s democracy has always been strongest when leaders emerged from among the people.
Political parties should focus on building leaders with real public connection rather than encouraging dynasty politics or recommendation-based appointments.
