In love, war and corporate affairs

The exposure by magazines like ‘Outlook’ and ‘Open’ has triggered a new and vital discussion regarding the role of journalists and editors in formation of governments — that too in the interest of corporate giants. A woman lobbyist, who works both for Ambanis and Tatas, gains access to the corridors of government through contacts which editors have developed with political VIPs so much so that even the selection of the controversial A Raja as telecommunication minister in the Union cabinet has a link with the powerful lobby.

Birlas had a role in Independent struggle by backing Mahatma Gandhi. While Birlas’ credentials need not be questioned, it may well be interpreted that Birlas’ corporate activities were directly or indirectly encouraged by the then Nehru government.

Corporate sector since then assumed a special status in socio-economic life of the country and enjoyed cordial relations with subsequent governments. Monetary help by way of donations to political parties are known techniques and because of the donations those parties who come to power are inclined to extend their help in return.

Give and take

Whether donations to political parties should be continued or not has always been a matter of discussion in view of fair elections in our democracy. But no government or political party has so far been able to stop the process. If accepting cash by way of donations is considered fair, how can it be immoral or unfair to respond to expectations of the corporate sector whenever the sector tycoons influence both the political and administrative wings of the government?

The system of public relations and entrusting the task to competent men and charming women is also not a new phenomenon. Lavish press conferences with drinks and gifts as also other periodical allurements has been a routine practice. Neither Tatas, nor Ambanis nor any other corporate giants are free from such practices and cannot claim that they do not indulge in creating cordial relationship with political bosses or influential editors and journalists.

The current controversy should be viewed in a sequence. After the ‘Adarsh’ scam came into limelight the corruption in the corridors of government turned out to be a hot subject. In this background Ratan Tata exposed that some ministers demanded bribe of a few crores for clearing his airline project. Why he did not explain further by exposing the parties or ministers is perhaps a matter of strategy or he wanted to avoid further controversy. But his statement indirectly hinted that political bosses are corrupt and he is reluctant to be encouraging such corruption.

And then came the ‘Outlook’ and ‘Open’ with their exposure of tapes of dialogue between Tata and Nira Radia and editors and journalists. The tapes clearly hinted that Tatas cannot claim to be above any strategic technique to influence political power for corporate gains. The tapes indicate that whatever discussed is in a very friendly and routine manner without any tinge of guilt as if everything is fair in corporate affairs as it is in love and war.

How one woman despite her expertise can work as a key person to create and influence policy matters for both the competitive corporate giants? This is also fair in corporate affairs.

Apart from influencing policy decisions the corporate giants have succeeded in influencing the mind-set of ministers. While gracing the position of a chief minister of Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh has openly declared in both interviews and public speeches that government should run in a corporate style. What exactly is the corporate style and besides efficient management of money and men, what other qualities are attractive in corporate administration? Now in view of the new context, both the corporate giants and the ministers who are influenced by the corporate style of governance should come forward to let public know the plus points of corporate governance which should be followed in government administration.

This is necessary because the newly elected MLAs and MPs of almost all political parties are almost enticed by corporate PROs the moment they enter the state capitals or centre’s capital. They are gradually tuned with the corporate style of living and working and they feel that whatever problems and difficulties the corporate sector is facing are much more important than those being faced by their home constituencies in urban and rural areas.

The reason why most of the development schemes or rehabilitation of dam-affected in rural areas are inordinately delayed may well be traced to the influence of the corporate sector which gains priority over other issues and difficulties being faced by the neglected sections of society or rural areas.