Politics of A Wedding

The wedding of Nikhil, son of former Karnataka Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy, with Revathi, also from a political family, was in news for all the wrong reasons.  Though stoutly defended by the ruling CM of the State, the celebrations were roundly criticised in the times of crisis.

Kumaraswamy sees Nikhil as his political successor.  He tried to launch his son in movies and produced a few but has not been able to establish him in the industry as a bankable hero.  Nikhil last year stood for Parliamentary elections from Mandya and lost to Sumalatha, the widow of Ambarish, another matinee idol.  And, just when the dates for the wedding were decided, the country saw the eruption of coronavirus infections. 

The avowed political first family of Karnataka decided to go ahead with the ceremony nonetheless because they thought there would be no other good dates for the wedding.  They made all the right noises too - that there would be few guests, and everyone would follow social distancing, and so on.  They even made a media announcement begging forgiveness from their loyal following for not inviting any of them to the function.  They probably were trying to lift up their sagging political fortunes.

What transpired on the ground was different.  While only 60 guests were to be allowed at a wedding, there were certainly over hundred teeming at the venue, going by the pictures that went viral.  No social distancing was visible anywhere.  Over 40 vehicles were given curfew pass to the venue.  It could have been more too.  And, the policy of only two people in a vehicle was not observed either.

To a politician, almost any publicity is good.  It ensures s/he stays in news.  It matters politically.  Ask Vatal Nagaraj.  Similarly, for a family that is becoming irrelevant slowly in politics of the state.  Their influence is limited just to Hassan and a few other burrows.  Even within their own community, the grip is slowly easing.  Deve Gowda is not growing young anymore; nor is he as popular.  Even though Kumara Swamy is considered pragmatic and likeable, his decisions to promote son have not been popular nor successful.  Revanna, the other son of Deve Gowda, is a wheeler-dealer than a leader.  

The family ideally should have deferred the wedding and released a press note that people matter more now than their own personal happiness.  However, if it was absolutely keen to conduct the wedding in these times of the pandemic, could surely have found innovative ways to do so.  And, won loads of hearts.  Easily, they could have organised a wedding at a Registrar's Office, limited to a dozen people.  And, set an example by shunning all ostentation.  One, it would have sent a message that the family is responsible and is concerned about the well-being of everyone.  Two, the family would have looked progressive if they had shunned rituals - even if temporarily.  Loads of new-age voters would have given a huge thumbs up to that.  Particularly the urban voters - areas where the party hardly has any ground and needs to concentrate.  The party would have reaped a lot of goodwill then.  And, possibly Nikhil's stars might have changed for the better.  Now, they do not seem to be - even though he has a star in his life now (Revathi).

By creating negative publicity for themselves, the Gowda family has in all likelihood written their political future an early obituary.  Even their staunch supporters would think many times to support the reckless behaviour they have exhibited.  As they vacate their exalted space in politics, we soon need another party to rise and take their place soon.