Leadership succession creates serious challenges: parties lack transparent processes; leaders favour relatives; dynastic rule blocks merit; inexperienced people gain power; and personal loyalty to leaders outweighs commitment to party principles — all weakening internal democracy and public trust.
Analyse how the issue of leadership succession poses a challenge to political parties in India.
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Opaque functioning: Most parties do not follow open, transparent procedures for promotions. Ordinary workers have little chance to rise, so talented members become demotivated and party democracy weakens.
Favoritism by leaders: Those in power often give preference to close associates or family, creating unfair advantages and shutting out competent members from leadership roles.
Dynastic succession: Top posts frequently stay within one family. This hereditary transfer of power prevents healthy competition and undermines merit-based leadership selection.
Inexperienced leaders: Because of family or favouritism, persons lacking experience or mass appeal occupy important positions, reducing party effectiveness and public credibility.
Personal loyalty over principles: Loyalty to the leader becomes more important than loyalty to party ideals, stifling internal debate and encouraging unquestioned decisions.