It is said, not without a sting, that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, implying that politicians switch loyalties at the drop of a hat for personal gain. But even otherwise, the dichotomy is not inviolate.
Discovering common interests often turns enemies into friends and, of course, time heals many wounds. A pal of mine often refers to the same person, in jest, as “my friend and enemy”. But in this paradox, perhaps, lies the truth.
Recall the experience of a long journey in a railway compartment. Milling with men, women and children, a veritable babel of languages, the scene is a microcosm of the world outside. Comes a busy station, more people rush in, pushing tons of luggage before them. Those inside resist the incursion. The insiders and the intruders trade abuses. The train steams out of the station with scowls on all faces.
An amazing transformation occurs before long. The newcomers strike conversation with the “natives”. “You are from Rampur, and then you would know my uncle, so-and-so.” “Of course I do, we cut class together in College!” And so on. Perfect harmony prevails where verbal brickbats flew.
When I joined service, there were two embattled groups in the office ranged against each other. Tale-bearing and whispering, and not so whispering, campaigns were virtually de rigueur. The leader and prime mover of the opposite camp, whom I will call Madhavan, was my pet aversion.
Over time, I had moved up in rank. I learnt that my selection for a prestigious assignment outside the cadre was nearly through, awaiting only the boss's clearance. But he was a difficult person with strong views about loyalty to the department and not running after opportunities elsewhere.
By way of “recce,” I stepped into his private secretary’s room to find, Madhavan sitting there. He was warm, happy at my selection. “The boss is cranky,” he confided softly. “If we support a proposal, he gets suspicious and turns it down and vice versa. I have recorded a strong note against you. The file is with him and should be back any moment.”
The file came back in ten minutes with my appointment approved, thanks to my old enemy!
