We are often taught erroneous lessons in school, perpetuated by generations of unquestioned educators and educational norms. These lessons, left unchallenged, can stymie personal growth and ultimately influence society at large, particularly when those misinformed individuals ascend to positions of power. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is a striking example of this phenomenon, seemingly influenced by the flawed moral of the Hare and Tortoise fable.
The conventional interpretation of the tale – “slow and steady wins the race” – is misleading. The tortoise did not win because of its steadiness or wisdom but because the hare was overconfident and complacent. Fadnavis appears to have internalized the former interpretation, as reflected in the sluggish pace of decision-making that has characterized his tenure as Chief Minister, with tangible consequences for Maharashtra.
After the Mahayuti coalition won the assembly elections, Fadnavis’ first major test was forming his cabinet. It took an inordinately long time to finalize appointments, leaving the legislative assembly session to proceed without a full-fledged cabinet. The Chief Minister and his two deputies bore the brunt of legislative questioning, as even portfolio allocations were delayed. When ministers were finally sworn in, further delays plagued their assumption of duties, with some only taking charge weeks later. For instance, one minister formally began his duties on January 1, and the cabinet’s first meeting, held the next day, lasted a mere 12 minutes. If the state could function for over a month without ministers, it raises questions about the necessity of such prolonged processes.
As both Chief Minister and head of the home ministry, Fadnavis’ handling of the Santosh Deshmukh murder case in Beed district has been a stark example of his sluggish approach. Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Massajog village, was killed in a gruesome manner, and allegations surfaced linking the crime to Walmik Karad, an aide to NCP Minister Dhananjay Munde.
BJP legislator Suresh Dhas passionately detailed the murder during the legislature’s winter session and demanded swift action. Fadnavis promised quick action, including forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Yet, it took more than two weeks for the SIT to materialize, by which time the primary accused remained untraceable. Karad, after evading authorities for over 15 days, surrendered to the Pune CID, spotlighting inefficiencies within the home department under Fadnavis’ leadership.
The political fallout has been equally contentious. Dhas, a senior BJP leader from Beed, has persistently linked Karad to Munde, insinuating Munde’s involvement in a larger extortion plot that allegedly led to Deshmukh’s murder. Dhas has raised questions about Karad’s sudden wealth, suggesting illicit gains. Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded Munde’s removal from the cabinet to ensure an unbiased investigation. Yet, both Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Munde’s party superior, have maintained a conspicuous silence on the matter.
Dhas also indulged in a damaging smear campaign, linking a prominent Marathi actress to Munde. The baseless allegations deeply hurt the actress, who tearfully announced her intention to pursue legal action. While Dhas eventually retracted his statements and apologized, Fadnavis’ failure to immediately condemn his party colleague’s defamatory remarks against a woman marked a glaring lapse in leadership. A prompt reprimand from the Chief Minister could have sent a strong message against such misogynistic tactics.
To Fadnavis’ credit, he has occasionally shown urgency in governance. His swift orchestration of the surrender of several high-ranking Maoist leaders demonstrated his capability for decisive action. However, addressing Maoist insurgency demands more than apprehending leaders; it requires addressing the systemic issues plaguing the tribal populations in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts. Tribals, for whom Maoists claim to fight, continue to face socioeconomic injustices. Resolving these grievances is essential to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Violence and hate crimes continue to plague Maharashtra, further highlighting the need for proactive governance. Fadnavis must act decisively against individuals and groups instigating violence. A slow and reactive approach will only embolden such elements, undermining the state’s social fabric.
Fadnavis’ tenure underscores the risks of relying on outdated and flawed lessons. Leadership requires more than adhering to the misguided adage that slow and steady wins the race. Effective governance demands a nuanced balance of deliberation and decisiveness, qualities that Fadnavis must cultivate to address Maharashtra’s complex challenges. Without course correction, the state risks falling behind in its race for progress.
The author is a senior journalist and media trainer. He tweets at @a_mokashi
