Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Even if Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati does evoke public interest and the rulebook to justify her decision to block the SEZ project of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group R-ADAG in her state, it will be rather difficult not to perceive it as an act of political vendetta. The group was after all perceived to be extremely close to the former UP chief minister, and Mayawati8217;s bete noire and political opponent, Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Which brings us to a question that goes beyond the immediate actors, their allies and antagonists. Is it in UP8217;s interests to have a succeeding government overturn the economic decisions taken by its predecessor? Will that not undermine the state8217;s attempts to emerge as an attractive investment destination in an increasingly competitive economic climate? Given the considerable lead time required to shape any large project proposal into a feasible proposition, does such deliberate political meddling not amount to
a colossal waste of money, time and human resources? We are raising these questions precisely because Mayawati does not seem inclined to do so, otherwise she would have been far more measured in her actions.
One of the great banes of economic decision-making in India is the clear and ever-present danger that even complex and hard-won projects which could make considerable difference to the economic fortunes of a state can end up being stymied by political expediency. There are many who point to the economic boom in China and pronounce that too much democracy is not good for business. We would beg to differ. It would be wrong to blame democracy for the quixotic decisions of some. Political maturity in fact demands the ability to recognise initiatives that represent the larger interests of a state and the ability to ensure continuity of policy. Mayawati has just won a famous political victory. She must not belie the opportunities inherent in this moment by drawing a false satisfaction in the discomfiture of her political opponents.
