Seeking the Godfather

Malatitai (name changed). a fifty-something Mahayuti political party worker is a constant fixture beside her boss, a prominent and powerful state government minister. She regularly accompanies him to inaugurations, meetings, and events where he is a chief guest, appearing in every photograph that gets published in the media and interview. An important figure in his party, Malatitai oversees the activities of the women’s wing and holds various state commission board positions, thanks to her boss. She hopes to contest the upcoming assembly elections, relying on her boss, whom she sees as her Godfather, to secure her a ticket. However, he is focused on managing current MLAs and is searching for a younger, wealthier, and more dynamic version of Malatitai to advance his political ambitions.

Like Malatitai, 47-year-old Kunal (name changed), a former youth wing president, avoided marriage, hoping to wed the Dalit leader’s daughter (now a Lok Sabha MP) to launch his political career. However, the Dalit leader has no interest in a son-in-law; he’s focused on making his daughter the next chief minister, a far more secure plan than relying on followers like Kunal, who might switch sides as soon as they gain power.

A successful career in Indian politics requires a godfather. For a newcomer with no family connection, a godfather is a boon, but often the real task is the ability to find one or be found by one. Having a godfather helps to smooth out the difficult journey ahead, which is largely dominated by caste equations, money and muscle power, character assassinations, and backbiting.

Finding a godfather today remains a formidable task. Mere networking may not land you that perfect mentee. You must possess several qualities before you come under the focus of a godfather. A typical godfather in Indian politics has access to lots of money, power, connections, and the ability to ‘get things done.’

Compared to the early seventies and eighties, almost all political parties in India today are overflowing with leaders controlling their camps of all castes and sizes. These camps continue to be dominated by self-proclaimed godfathers who control their ‘territory.’

Seeking out a godfather requires tact, skill, and the ability to gauge his capacity, resources, and commitment to delivering on promises. Some foot soldiers form relationships with godfathers to gain party positions and secure election tickets, while others, despite loyalty, switch allegiances based on the party’s fortunes. In some cases, those seeking lasting ties with their godfathers choose marriage or business partnerships, marrying into political families to ensure lifelong loyalty, regardless of their political success. The lure of power and its perks are strong, leading many to practice social climbing, becoming stooges to access and bask in that power.

Another easy access to people already in positions of power and seeking out a godfather to groom their political ambitions is through the Indian Civil Service. There are many examples of government officials ending up in politics post-retirement.

Many godfathers are now wary of mentoring. With defections on the rise, veteran leaders are mindful of the shifting dynamics with their loyalists. Many admit they are proceeding cautiously, adopting an ‘open-door policy.

“People come and go. I don’t look for loyalists, but those who deliver when asked to, and that’s what matters in the end,” admits one such Godfather.