Acquisitions and Mergers: Fadnavis Style
In the process of shaking the core of Maharashtrian politics, Devendra Fadnavis has started to re-write the rules of political engagement in the state. Let us take the most recent example – it is obvious that the two Thackeray brothers are circling each other, assessing the pros and cons of coming together in an alliance. And yet in a simultaneous move, Devendra Fadnavis is opening up to talks with the MNS leader Raj Thackeray. Is there any neta, big or small, with whom Fadnavis would not open a dialogue or whom he would keep at arms length? The surprising answer seems to be a resounding ‘no!’. From Eknath Shinde to Ajit Pawar, from Ashok Chavan to Raj Thackeray – Fadnavis never closes the door on anyone’s face. His ego does not come in the way of talking to rivals, competitors, foes and detractors – which is a wonder in the world of politics where netas can barely walk two steps without stumbling over their own conceits. This is particularly curious given that he is at the helm of a stable government, saffron party is well-entrenched in the state and there is no immediate existential threat to his chair. Ironically, his principal opponents in the Congress Party are far more wary of newcomers of any sort than he is.
So the question arises – why is he doing it? Why is Fadavnis positioning himself as a power-sharer rather than a demolisher? One could look at the Fadnavis phenomenon through the lens of corporate governance. Entering into various kinds of alliances using his now-famous ‘saam daam dand bhed’ methods is quite akin to the acquisitions and mergers that corporates enter into. If nothing, the apparent stability of the BJP in the state and the centre has cloaked Fadnavis with a kind of self-assurance and confidence allowing him more space to manoeuvre such acquisitions. He sees his position suitably safeguarded which allows him to create alliances rather than keeping opponents at bay. Fadnavis is also indulgent when it comes to power-sharing arrangements with ex-opponents. What is he doing by converting rivals into partners with a seat at the table? Essentially he is turning the adversarial political model into a corporate one – of course, with the biggest chair reserved for himself. Think of it in terms of an ever-expanding company with an enlarged board of directors. There is always place for another chair to be fitted in for yet another vice-president. This is one way of destroying competition without destroying the competitor. Fadnavis is happy to retain his top boss post while acquiring and merging with a beatific smile.
The ultimate aim of politics is to further a certain ideology which in turn is associated with a certain way of life, a vision of society that one aspires for. However, the reality of our times is that the pursuit of ideology for and by itself does not seem possible any longer. The pristine pursuit of a utopian world is becoming increasingly difficult. This is a common difficulty that is being faced by all – the conservatives as well as the liberals. The conservatives are experimenting with one way of overcoming this problem through populism. A leader like Fadnavis has understood that until and unless you provide people with tangible gains, it is impossible to attract more people to your ideological fold. However, once people do enter the fold, especially when the passage of entry is through alliances and merges, slowly their connection to their own constituency is undercut. Rather the constituency of the former competitor now partner is converted into the BJP base. And thus the party expands.
– Dr. Kalyan Kumar
(Author practices at Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench & District and Sessions Court, Chandrapur)
