India?s big industrialists have usually refrained from endorsing any one political leader or even a single political party. It is in their interests to maintain good relations across the political spectrum?after all, political parties inevitably go through a revolving door to government and back. In this context, the vociferous endorsement of Narendra Modi for the highest executive office in the land by Anil Ambani and Sunil Mittal is rather perplexing. For one, it is sure to annoy both the ruling UPA and the main opposition BJP. The UPA?s top leadership has always had a testy relationship with Modi, and it is surprising that two leading industrialists took the risk of upsetting the ruling coalition. Even though it is at the fag end of its term, there is always the chance of re-election. Messrs Ambani and Mittal would not have impressed LK Advani either, who is the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP in the forthcoming general election and who would look upon Modi as much junior to him in the party and in politics. And it isn?t only Ambani and Mittal who share a warm relationship with the Gujarat CM?Ratan Tata was seen in a close embrace with Modi at the same Vibrant Gujarat summit.
But don?t read politics into industry?s attraction towards Modi. Gujarat is a fast growing, rich state with excellent infrastructure by Indian standards. That would be attraction enough for industry to invest, with or without Modi. But over the years, Modi has also acquired the reputation of a doer, who smoothens the path for business investment. Its not that Modi is the only pro-business CM in the country?most CMs with perhaps the exception of VS Achutanandan court business actively. But he?s one of the few who backs his promises and assurances with delivery. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee failed to pave the way for the Nano over many months?Modi managed it in a day. It is Modi?s efficient delivery system that attracts industrialists more than any aspect of his politics. Even in the post-reform era industry has struggled to find a conducive environment for business in most parts of the country. It is their exasperation with that scenario that draws them to Modi and Gujarat. If other CMs work as efficiently, there is no reason why an Ambani or Mittal or Tata won?t endorse them for higher office.
