Maha CM Fadnavis and the flawed moral of tortoise tale

Slow, steady governance may not always win the race, as Fadnavis' tenure shows

- ABHAY MOKASHI

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.