•Suman K. Jha: It is said that a group of just 500 families controls the entire polity and politics of this country. The problem of dynasties pervades parties, states, and regions. Does it concern you?

Randeep Surjewala: Politics may help you if you are a Badal or have another name behind you—you may get an initial break. But irrespective of whose son, nephew or grandson you may be, you can be rejected by the electorate. There are areas where your father’s name or experience may help but you are as fallible as anyone else.

Manpreet Badal: We have to prove ourselves every five years. The Badal name works like Bata in Punjab, everybody knows that, but you are tested at a higher scale because people expect a better performance from you. It is almost like a feudal duty.

Conrad Sangma: The question is most pertinent to my family. I have my elder brother who is an MLA and is the parliamentary secretary handling Home and PWD. My younger sister is an MP and the youngest member of Parliament. And there’s me. But just because we have the brand name does not mean that we do not have the right to be in politics. Our future in politics will be determined by our performance and the people will decide whether we should continue or not. I lost the first elections I fought. I lost because I had no connection with the grassroots. I just did not know the people, their problems. I thought the brand name of Sangma would pull me through. So I do not believe in this dynastic issue. Furthermore, dynasty is a preconceived notion where the leader declares that Mr X is going to his successor. We are not doing that. We are elected representatives just like anybody else.

... contd.