India's Obsession with Political Leaders

BENGALURU: In India, politicians have always been worshiped and revered by the masses. There are numerous examples that bring to light India’s fascination with their god-like leaders, since decades. Be it ‘Amma’, NTR, MGR, Bal Thackeray, Sachin Tendulkar or Narendra Modi, the list is a long one and comprises figures from all sections of the society.   

Millions of people attended Jayalaithaa’s funeral and the outpouring of emotion was massive to say the least. Given below are some of the names compiled by AFP, about Indian political leaders who invoked similar devotion..

Post colonial India saw its first mass funeral, when Mahatam Gandhi was shot dead by Nathu Ram Godse. It is said that around two million people gathered to mourn Mahatma Gandhi’s death in 1948. Up to 15 million people reportedly attended the funeral of C.N. Annadurai, in 1969, while Mumbai came to a grinding halt for Bal Thackeray’s funeral four years ago.

But the irony of the matter lies in the fact that these same figures were derided during their lifetime. Jayalalithaa was twice jailed over corruption charges and was famous for a vast collection of saris.  Her popularity stems from the fact that she announced a number of populist schemes to lure the poor and they treated her like a goddess.

According to Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Editor, Economic and Political Weekly, “The kind of blind adulation that we see for our political leaders is not unique to India but what is perhaps unique the fact that these leaders are seen as superhuman beings and gods.”

The aura of brand ‘Amma’ was not just limited to politics, but it pervaded every aspect of the lives of poor. With cheap meals in “Amma canteens” to state-subsidized products such as “Amma water” and “Amma cement” left people in no doubt over who was their supreme leader.

Annadurai was known as ‘Anna’, which means elder brother, and another lady who inspires such adulation is West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerji, known as “Didi“, Bengali for elder sister.

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