Rebellion by Satyajit Tambe underlines GenNext netas' aspirations in Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Satyajit Tambe's revolt and subsequent suspension from the Congress on the eve of the state legislative council polls is symptomatic of a deeper malaise that stems from nepotism, said political analysts.
Tambe, nephew of state Congress veteran and former minister Balasaheb Thorat, has filed papers as an Independent from the Nashik graduates' constituency for the council elections.The Congress had re-nominated Sudhir Tambe, Satyajit's father, for the polls. However, Tambe Sr backed out in favour of his 'beta', who is seen as one of the upwardly mobile politicians in western Maharashtra - a prosperous region where sugar cooperatives, politics and family loyalty are inextricably intertwined.
The BJP has smelt an opportunity in Tambe's revolt. However, it has not come out openly in Satyajit's favour though it needs to make inroads in the sugar cooperative belt to improve its tally in the assembly in 2024.
Experts said the incident has to be referenced to the growing nepotism in state politics. "Nepotism has in recent years thrown up a new band of 'netas' - the enfant terribles who are eager to roll out of the wings and take centrestage," said analyst and ad-person Vinod Pawar on Sunday.
"But the 'nepo-child' faces a dilemma now. He has to have the family patriarch's backing and the party's support as well," Pawar said, adding, "Bowing out of the poll race to make way for Satyajit was a smart move by Sudhir Tambe." The council polls are scheduled for January 30.
Like Sudhir Tambe, Sena veteran Ramdas Kadam, too, had to come to his son Yogesh's rescue. Both Ramdas and Yogesh revolted and quit Shiv Sena (now UBT) in July last year.
Such episodes underscore the warning that sons, daughters and relatives can upset the internal dynamics of parties if their aspirations are not addressed.