Why secular politics in South Asia still clings to family dynasties

Politics in the region, the writer says, is rarely about policies alone—it is about identity, history, and belonging.

Why do secular parties in South Asia, despite championing democracy, cling to family names? Because in a battle against religious nationalism, emotion often outweighs ideology. Politics here is rarely about policies alone—it is about identity, history, and belonging. Across Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, religious right-wing parties have mastered mobilising faith-based sentiments. In societies where literacy is low and institutions are weak, this poses a formidable challenge for secular parties. To survive, many lean on another emotional anchor: family dynasties.