NDA power matrix reshaped after success

AI generated image Mumbai: A quiet coup in the state has triggered a loud shift in the power dynamics of the nation’s capital. By engineering the defection of six additional MPs, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has nearly doubled his parliamentary muscle, transforming his Shiv Sena faction from a junior regional partner into an indispensable pillar of the NDA. Now sitting on a commanding 13 seats, Shinde has dramatically increased his political leverage—leaving a cautious BJP to weigh the...

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AI generated image Mumbai: A quiet coup in the state has triggered a loud shift in the power dynamics of the nation’s capital. By engineering the defection of six additional MPs, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has nearly doubled his parliamentary muscle, transforming his Shiv Sena faction from a junior regional partner into an indispensable pillar of the NDA. Now sitting on a commanding 13 seats, Shinde has dramatically increased his political leverage—leaving a cautious BJP to weigh the cost of an emboldened ally demanding a bigger slice of the pie in both the Union and state cabinets. In a masterstroke of political engineering that has profoundly jolted political landscape, Shinde has once again demonstrated his formidable capacity for disruption. The rebellion of six out of nine Lok Sabha Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), ostensibly joining Shinde’s ranks under the banner of “Operation Tiger,” is not merely a regional skirmish. It is a calculated power play that reverberates through the highest corridors of power in New Delhi. By nearly doubling his party’s strength in the lower house from seven to thirteen MPs, Shinde has dramatically altered his own political trajectory, elevating his faction from a helpful regional ally to an indispensable pillar of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Shinde’s Stature The immediate consequence of this crossover is a massive surge in Shinde’s stature within the NDA hierarchy. With thirteen parliamentarians, his Shiv Sena is now poised to become the fourth-largest bloc in the ruling national coalition, sitting just behind the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Telugu Desam Party, and the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India. This numerical leap is of immense strategic value to the BJP-led central government. In a parliamentary environment where the ruling coalition possesses only a modest majority, every single seat counts. The central leadership is acutely aware of upcoming legislative hurdles, particularly ambitious constitutional amendments like the proposed delimitation bill, which will require a formidable two-thirds majority. By acting as the architect of this crucial numerical boost, Shinde has cemented his reputation as a reliable and highly effective operator for the NDA, significantly increasing his bargaining power and political leverage. National Relief For the BJP, this development evokes a complex mixture of profound national relief and acute regional anxiety. From the vantage point of PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shinde’s successful poaching operation is a clear windfall. It simultaneously fortifies the NDA’s numerical strength in New Delhi while severely crippling a vocal opposition force in Maharashtra. The central BJP leadership views Shinde as a vital asset capable of bridging the gap between their current numbers and the overwhelming mandates of the past. However, the perspective from the Maharashtra BJP headquarters is noticeably more apprehensive. State BJP leaders openly acknowledge Shinde’s soaring political equity, but they are increasingly wary of his expanding ambitions. They recognize that an emboldened Shinde, eager to fill the political vacuum left by Uddhav Thackeray and a fragmented Nationalist Congress Party, will aggressively attempt to expand his footprint across the state, potentially encroaching upon the BJP’s own traditional support bases. Power Sharing This dramatically enhanced political heft immediately raises pressing questions regarding power-sharing arrangements, both at the Centre and in the state. Armed with thirteen MPs, Shinde’s camp is undoubtedly preparing to seek greater political rewards. In the Union Cabinet, his demand for an additional, high-profile ministerial berth is now backed by solid arithmetic. Given his heightened utility to the national coalition, the BJP high command is highly likely to accommodate this request during the next cabinet reshuffle. However, the power struggle within the Maharashtra state cabinet promises to be far more contentious. Shinde, who had to settle for the Deputy Chief Ministership behind Devendra Fadnavis following the last assembly elections, may now feel emboldened to petition the BJP leadership for the top job. The BJP’s state unit is actively preparing to fiercely resist any such demand. Senior BJP leaders are quick to emphasize that despite his parliamentary gains, Shinde’s legislative strength in the state assembly hovers around 57 MLAs, dwarfed by the BJP’s commanding 132 legislators. Consequently, conceding the Chief Minister’s chair remains highly improbable. Instead, the BJP will be forced into a delicate balancing act, likely appeasing Shinde by granting his faction a larger share of influential, heavyweight portfolios within the state government to keep the alliance stable. Ultimately, through sheer political audacity, Eknath Shinde has ensured that neither New Delhi nor Mumbai can afford to govern without catering to his increasingly formidable political weight.

Prioritising Mental Health at the Workplace

Dr. Mayur K. Muthe
Oct 10, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Oct 22, 2024

In the last few months alone, India has witnessed multiple young professionals succumbing to the pressures of excessive workloads, unrealistic expectations, and the relentless pursuit of career success. These tragic incidents, though often underreported, have sparked conversations about the mental health crisis brewing within the corporate world. From tech startups to financial institutions, young employees are bearing the brunt of long hours, constant connectivity, and high-stakes work environments, leaving little room for recovery or personal well-being.

The most alarming aspect of this trend is the normalisation of burnout and mental health struggles as a byproduct of ambition. Companies often promote a culture of hustle, glorifying overwork while overlooking the detrimental impact on employee well-being. Many young professionals have to prove themselves and remain silent about their mental health struggles, fearing that voicing concerns will be seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of commitment.

With the advent of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, boundaries between personal and professional lives have blurred, amplifying the mental burden on employees. Poor mental health not only affects employees and their families but also undermines companies’ productivity and profitability.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety disorders alone cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. In India, a survey by the 7th Fold Employee Well-Being Survey 2020 revealed that 36 per cent of employees were suffering from one or more types of mental health issues.

Workplace mental health challenges often stem from multiple factors, including excessive workloads, unclear job expectations, lack of autonomy, and unsupportive managerial practices. The rise of digital communication tools has also contributed to ‘always-on’ cultures, where employees feel obligated to remain available even outside of working hours.

By investing in workplace mental health, companies can not only improve job satisfaction and reduce absenteeism but also foster innovation and loyalty. A mentally healthy workforce is more likely to engage in creative problem-solving, exhibit higher levels of collaboration, and remain committed to the company long-term. Governments also play a crucial role by incentivising mental health initiatives through tax breaks or requiring companies to adhere to mental health standards.

World Mental Health Day was first celebrated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. This year’s theme, ‘Prioritising Mental Health at the Workplace,’ seeks to shed light on an often overlooked but deeply consequential aspect of employee welfare. It urges organisations worldwide to take proactive steps toward fostering a healthier, more supportive work environment.

A proactive approach to addressing mental health at work begins with recognising the early signs of distress, enabling timely intervention and support for employees before their struggles escalate into more severe mental health issues.

Investing in workplace mental health is crucial. It’s time for organisations to prioritise their employees’ well-being, fostering a culture of support and understanding. We don’t need to wait for another crisis to confront this reality. It’s time for companies and leaders to commit to prioritising mental health and fostering a culture where well-being and success go hand in hand. Take action today—support mental health at your workplace before it’s too late.

Recognising the Red Flags

Mental health needs attention when you or your colleagues experience:

1. Feeling excessively overwhelmed by performance at the workplace

2. Experiencing low mood, dejection, and lack of confidence

3. Disturbed sleep and appetite

4. Increased irritability, anger outbursts, and mood swings leading to problems in professional and personal relationships

5. Self-harm thoughts and attempts

These troubling trends highlight the urgent need for proactive interventions in workplaces. Fortunately, organisation can take several steps to support their employees’ mental well-being.

Simple interventions, significant difference:

• Open discussions about stress management

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

• Mental health training for managers

• Flexible work arrangements

• Wellness initiatives

• And most importantly, encouraging employees or colleagues to seek professional help from either a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a counsellor, as required and if necessary.

Promoting mental health can:

• Enhance job satisfaction

• Boost productivity

• Reduce absenteeism

• Improve overall well-being

(The writer is a Consultant Psychiatrist based in Jalgaon. Views personal.)