The whole idea about why dynasty politics is a bad thing is being misconstrued, the National People’s Party (NPP) candidate for Nongthymmai, Dr Jasmine Lyngdoh, who is also the latest in a family of politicians, has opined.
Lyngdoh’s sister Ampareen is the incumbent East Shillong MLA and former cabinet minister. Her late brother RG Lyngdoh was Home Minister and they all followed in the footsteps of their father, the late Peter Marbaniang, who was an MP.
Meghalaya is not unused to dynasties but it is a little harder to spot to the casual observer as politics is a male-dominated sphere in a matrilineal state – while sons often follow their fathers into the political sphere the former will carry the surnames of their mothers. Wives of political husbands also do not assume the name of their spouses, as a rule.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made a big deal about bringing dynastic politics to an end, not just in Meghalaya but also as part of its anti-Congress narrative.
Lyngdoh, however, sought to deflect criticism of the issue, saying that people forget that if you are born into a family of politicians, it is likely that you will develop a mindset to serve the people.
“I am fortunate that my family is in politics and we know how to approach people and address and resolve their issues,” Lyngdoh told reporters. “Dynastic politics has been misconstrued,” she added while stating that while others may try and make an advantage out of hailing from a family of politicians, she and her siblings were always taught to work hard, take responsibility and work for the people.
Lyngdoh, a psychologist by profession, is entering politics for the first time. She explained that she decided to join the fray as there are many shortcomings in Nongthymmai constituency, including the basics of water, and she wants to deliver a change over the next five years.
