There is much that Sharad Pawar is criticised for, but even his worst detractors admit that the man understands his politics. He may occasionally get it wrong, appear to be blatantly opportunistic and even indulge in some insalubrious machinations, but that’s no different from what many others do. What he does have a skill for is taking stock of a political situation and speaking his mind, in a sober, considered tone; never has he been seen or heard abusing a fellow politician, and not for him rushing to the well of the house. Even today, politicians from all kinds of parties take his help and advice to resolve crises they may be facing.
So when he criticises the current government in Delhi, one needs to sit up and take notice. This is for more than one reason. Firstly, to hear what he has to say. Second, the perception had grown, not unjustifiably, that the NCP was close to the BJP and had in fact helped it form the government in Maharashtra. Even while results were coming in, the NCP announced it would support the BJP in case it fell short of a majority. This had the net effect of taking the winds out of the Shiv Sena’s sails, since now the BJP did not need the party. The BJP sailed through the confidence vote and when it did bring in the Sena, it flexed its muscles and offered it peanuts by way of portfolios.
None of the prestige ministries were given to the BJP’s erstwhile partner. The Sena, aware of its weak position, swallowed the humiliation but since then has been sniping at the BJP. It was said that the BJP would go slow on inquiries against Ajit Pawar and others from the NCP; that has or has not happened, depending on how one looks at it—there were raids on Chaggan Bhujbal and various investigations continue, but the pace remains glacial. Now, it appears that the NCP has begun distancing itself from the BJP.
Pawar’s latest interview in a business paper is very long and very interesting. He has apportioned maximum blame to the Modi government for the impasse in Parliament, asking the Prime Minister to reach out to end it. He has criticised the Maggi ban and the way it was imposed. And he has said – and this is important – that both the corporates and farmers are unhappy with the NDA. He speaks with some authority, since he is close to both sectors. The only people whose situation has improved, says Pawar, are sadhus and sanyasis. Never in his political career has he seen such bitterness in the political atmosphere.
In general, Pawar is critical of this government’s performance, pointing out that all the big investment numbers that are being tossed around have not come to fruition and that even in Maharashtra the climate for investment is quite poor. These words may be those of one politician, and an opposition one at that, but they deserve to be taken seriously not just by the ruling party but also close observers of the Indian scene.
It is no secret that at the one end farmers’ suicides have not slowed down and at the other, businessmen, small and big, are deeply unhappy. One may blame the Congress for stalling the GST Bill – something that was stalled by those who were in the Opposition for many years – but surely neither that by itself is stopping investors nor is an amended Land Acquisition Act. No, investors want clear cut rules, helpful policies, well enunciated regulations and infrastructure.
A foreign investor would be shaken to the core watching the Nestle drama play out. In one stroke, the company’s net profits have been badly hit and just when it appeared that its stand of there being no lead was being vindicated, the government slapped a huge class action suit on it. Why not ask the company to explain itself before taking such drastic action? After this, which foreign investors would want to commit billions of dollars? That money comes in our stock markets, should not be seen as a vindication of our open policies—that is hot money, which can leave any time. It does not create infrastructure or jobs.
Pawar may yet be playing a deeper political game. He rarely says or does anything without any agenda. And it is not as if the government has achieved nothing. Its foreign policy seems to be taking shape; the latest visit to the UAE too has been very fruitful. But will these invitations to foreign investors pay off? And what happens if they don’t?
The interview should be seen in its totality. Yes, these are Pawar’s views and should be treated as such. But at the same time, they may reflect the views of those – especially in the business community – who are not ready to speak out so openly. At the very least, they also suggest that some political developments may be in the offing over the coming months. He has, in the recent past, said that the current Maharashtra government will not last. And here he is, criticising the Modi administration. Should we put two and two together?
