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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Deepening BJP-Sena rift exposed

Mumbai: Corridors of power in Maharashtra are witnessing a growing sense of unease. Stern and quick disciplinary actions against senior bureaucrats are rare in state administration. The recent suspension of a senior IAS officer for failing to brief a minister during an ongoing assembly session has sent shockwaves through the bureaucracy. It has also laid bare the intense power struggle between ruling alliance partners, the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The controversy erupted when presiding officer...

Deepening BJP-Sena rift exposed

Mumbai: Corridors of power in Maharashtra are witnessing a growing sense of unease. Stern and quick disciplinary actions against senior bureaucrats are rare in state administration. The recent suspension of a senior IAS officer for failing to brief a minister during an ongoing assembly session has sent shockwaves through the bureaucracy. It has also laid bare the intense power struggle between ruling alliance partners, the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The controversy erupted when presiding officer Dilip Lande ordered immediate suspension of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) Member Secretary M. Devendar Singh and Joint Director Satish Padwal. It is an unwritten parliamentary convention that presiding officers refrain from directing such severe administrative actions directly from the chair. However, the environment department acted with unprecedented speed. Sources indicate that the file implementing these suspension orders has already reached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office. Babus Baffled This swift administrative compliance has caused a significant flutter among top officials. Many bureaucrats feel the Fadnavis administration is setting a dangerous precedent. Others quietly admit that the officers simply became collateral damage in a fierce political crossfire. The root of this administrative crisis lies in the fraught relationship between two key political figures. The environment department is headed by BJP Minister Pankaja Munde. Meanwhile, the MPCB is chaired by Shiv Sena leader Siddhesh Kadam. The two leaders reportedly do not see eye to eye. M. Devendar Singh, the suspended IAS officer, is widely considered to be close to senior Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Rathod. During his earlier tenure as the district collector of Ratnagiri, Singh also developed close ties with powerful Sena minister Uday Samant. Bureaucratic circles suggest that Singh was appointed as the MPCB member secretary last year primarily due to strong recommendations from Samant and Sanjay Rathod. Against this backdrop, the political rivalry between Munde and Kadam reached a boiling point. According to an MPCB insider, Kadam allegedly issued oral instructions to board officials ordering them not to share any information with minister Munde or her office without his prior consent. Caught between a hostile chairman and an inquiring minister, officers naturally shied away from providing crucial briefings. Sensing this deliberate blockade of information, frustrated Munde spilled the beans on the floor of the House. She admitted her inability to answer legislators’ questions due to non-cooperative officials. The issue quickly escalated, likely beyond the minister’s own imagination. The presiding officer intervened, and the bureaucrats ultimately bore the brunt of the political dysfunction. Top officials now privately acknowledge that this entire episode is a direct outcome of the shifting power dynamics between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. This incident is not an isolated case of administrative cracking of the whip. Recently, the government initiated strict disciplinary action against an assistant charity commissioner in Gondia simply for participating in a lucky draw without prior permission from her superiors. Together, these incidents are sending a chilling message down the administrative spine. While the government attempts to project an image of strict discipline and accountability, the bureaucracy is increasingly feeling the heat of coalition politics. Officials are now acutely aware that navigating the fragile egos of alliance partners is just as critical as their administrative duties.

Are Women Better Investors Than Men?

As we enter March and celebrate International Women’s Day this month, much of the spotlight rightly falls on women’s achievements in business, leadership, science, and public life. Yet one area where women often outperform men - and still receive too little recognition - is investing.


Money management is often seen as a male-dominated space. However, across households and financial markets, women have quietly and consistently demonstrated qualities that make them better investors. Their patience, discipline, and long-term thinking often lead to stronger financial outcomes.


Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes knowledge and Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes wealth. These two pillars - knowledge and wealth - are deeply connected in investing. Wise wealth creation comes not from speed or speculation, but from understanding, learning, and sound decision-making.


In this, women often excel. They tend to take the time to understand financial matters, ask the right questions, and make informed choices instead of chasing trends.


Why Women Make Better Investors

Patience and Long-Term Vision: Men are often more prone to impulsive decisions, frequent trading, or the temptation of quick gains. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to stay invested with a long-term mindset. Their ability to remain calm during market volatility can significantly improve returns over time.


Disciplined and Goal-Based: Women are naturally strong at budgeting, planning, and aligning money with life goals - whether it is children’s education, buying a home, or retirement security. Their emotional connection to these goals often helps them remain consistent and disciplined in investing.


Risk-Aware, Not Risk-Averse: Women are often misunderstood as risk-averse. In reality, they are usually risk-aware. They tend to take calculated risks and prefer appropriate asset allocation instead of reckless exposure. This balanced approach can help create wealth while managing downside risk.


Trust and Willingness to Learn: Women are often more open to financial education and more willing to seek guidance from qualified financial advisors. Unlike many men who may overestimate their investing ability, women often approach investing with humility and a learning mindset. Once they trust the right expert, they are more likely to stay committed to a sensible long-term plan.


Women Leading the Financial World

These qualities also explain why many leading financial institutions today are successfully led by women. Their blend of strategic thinking, discipline, and emotional intelligence makes them exceptional money managers - both personally and professionally.


Final Thoughts

As more women recognize these natural strengths, they can take even greater control of their financial futures - and build lasting wealth with confidence.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor.  Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)


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