THE SONS THEY NEVER HAD Robert Vadra is not the first one to have put his powerful in-laws in a spot of bother. Historically, and across party lines, formidable political families have found it difficult to deal with ambitions of their sons-in-law. While some became soft targets for political rivals, others managed to hold their own fort. Business Standard takes a look at some of the prominent instances

SADANAND SULE married to Supriya, daughter of Sharad Pawar, in 1992; Children: Vijay, Revathi A relatively low-profile Sadanand was dragged into the 2G controversy following allegations that he co-owned 9% stake in Panchshil Tech Park One, a Pune-based realty firm. Allegations were also made about the couple’s links with Shahid Balwa- promoted DB Realty, which was developing a five-star ROBERT VADRA married to project in the Panchshil’s vicinity. His name also figured in Priyanka, daughter of Rajiv & the row around the Kochi IPL team, which was later de- Sonia Gandhi, in 1997 franchised. The Pawar household has denied any such link Children: Rehan, Miraya 43- year-old Vadra likes to keep CHANDRABABU NAIDU married to fit and loves fast bikes. He is also Bhuvaneswari, daughter of NT Ramarao, famous for being the only such in 1980; individual who holds no govt Children: Lokesh Naidu office but is exempted from Easily the most politically successful of security checks at Airports across the lot, Naidu was senior to his father-in the country. Arvind Kejriwal-led –law matinee idol NT Rama Rao in politics. India Against Corruption is seeking In his 20s, he was already a minister in the a CBI enquiry into unsecured loans Congress Cabinet while NTR was happy playing the Gods in extended to his companies by Telugu cinema. NTR later became CM, got toppled, came back realty firm DLF. Congress ministers to power. He trusted Naidu, until one day the latter decided are busy defending Gandhi’s to topple him. Eventually the son-in-law became the chief son-in-law, saying the business minister to enjoy two consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004, dealings are transparent and that even playing kingmaker at Delhi. Naidu is down now, with it was a below-the-belt attack the Congress back in power, but not out yet

RANJAN BHATTACHARYA married FEROZE GANDHI married to to Namita, foster daughter of Indira, daughter of A B Vajpayee, in 1983 Jawaharlal Nehru, Children: Niharika in 1942 Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s foster Children: Rajiv, Sanjay family rose to prominence Unlike the later when he became the PM for the sons-in-law, who were first time in 1996. The foster son- accused of taking part in in-law was appointed as the officer on special scandals, Feroze, to whom the first family duty. Though the ill-fated government fell in owed the G-surname, created troubles for days, the OSD had arrived and he went places his father-in-law by unearthing scandals. In until one day tehelka.com caught the then BJP the late 50s, Feroze is said to have chief Bangaru Laxman on tape saying the son- embarrassed the first prime minister, digging in-law could fix “projects”. His star faded with the dirt out in financial irregularities at LIC, the BJP losing power. Lately, he has figured in eventually leading to the resignation of the the infamous Radia tapes, too then finance minister T T Krishnamachari Source: Biographies, News reports, Business Standard archives