There is a standard argument that my parents have - known trigger, predictable response and sulking. This fight happens regularly, and the topic of this unique argument happens to be "saheb".
It starts with something in the newspaper or TV. My father will comment on the issue and close it with how saheb has everyone in his pocket. Something like, "He is the big daddy". And that statement just irks my mother no end...
Jokes apart, saheb is a standard response to many questions, like:
Who owns this land;
Who owns this building;
Who runs the sugar factory;
Who controls the district cooperative banks;
Who is funding real estate; Who has a stake in this / that;
Who runs the government;
Who has got XYZ person / political party on the ropes;
Who owns the public bus service;
Who is swinging the ball in the BCCI controversy;
Who knows it all;
Who is the smartest / most cunning politician;
among many others.The question "Do all roads lead to saheb?" is a debatable. However, people living this part of the world understand how deep the influence runs. We all have heard of his memory where he remembers names of people he's met 30-40 years back; the strong local support; the networking; and how he has a finger in every pie. You have to live in and around Pune to comprehend The Pawar Equation.
So when my father says "saheb this, saheb that" in a tone of admiration, it gets my mothers goat. And for a good reason too.
Her logic is simple: Why do people refer to him as if he is omnipotent? If its an open secret that he owns so much land, property, and has a stake in reality around - and it is claimed that he owns only 6 acres of land, why is there no investigation?
That's one. The other thing is, isn't it a matter of great shame that he's referred to in admiration? If he stands for what is wrong in Pune, why are people of Pune so much in awe of the man!?
Conspiracy theories aside, the man has shown several masterstrokes in his long innings in political arena as well as other areas of his interest - the latest being "outside support" to the Fadnavis / BJP government in Maharashtra.
Thank god there was a voice vote so we don't know if the BJP government got 'vocal' support from NCP. Everyone agrees that taking support from NCP doesn't bode well for the image of BJP; and exactly opposite for the reverse (where giving outside support to BJP ensures protection of tainted NCP cadres). The subtlety of this entire affair, and the immense political acumen does bring out a sense of awe.
The bottom line is since YB Chavan we have not had a single 'truly' influential leader in Delhi. It is time we introspect and see if we want to be holed up in a well, or join resources to take the long leap. Each and every MLA in the house should remember that the State is not the Mumbai - Pune - Nasik corridor. Each MLA must want to make his constituency prosperous like Baramati.
I am sure good things can be learnt too.
