Dynastic politics has been a prominent feature of Indian democracy, and its increased presence in West Bengal this Lok Sabha election marks a significant departure from the State's tradition of cultivating leaders from grassroots politics.
Out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats, 13 have candidates from political dynasties. This represents a significant increase compared to previous elections, where political dynasts were limited to just three seats.
Traditionally known for its vibrant student politics, West Bengal is experiencing a notable shift as influential political families are gaining prominence. "This is a new trend or an evolution of Bengal politics from class-based politics to dynasty politics. Never in the polls have so many candidates come from political families," Maidul Islam, a political scientist at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, told PTI.
