The 40-minute slot seamlessly turned into a 140-minute off-beat conversation with the Tamil Nadu Finance Minister, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, at his ancestral home in Madurai. The 55-year-old Wall Street banker-turned-politician is as outspoken and outspoken as he is known for. The two-time legislator, whose sharp tongue is often embroiled in controversy, says, “I don’t like to show off.” He attributes this sense of internal stability to two major incidents – one during the 9/11 attacks. The miraculous escape (he was in the basement of the Twin Towers, on the way to his office in the next building of the WTC, known as the World Financial Center) and his job with Lehman Brothers during the 2008 freefall. “You realize that nothing in life is permanent,” he says.
From a happy childhood to a jet-setting corporate career, and now with a vital ministry in a resurgent DMK government, he believes his life has been a journey of luck and good times. Edited excerpt from interview:
What is the difference between your earlier corporate life and your political life now?
In a corporate set-up, the alignment of incentives is similar within a larger company, as everyone wants to be successful. You only need to add your value to the bank books of the shareholders, company and investors. Now in public life, I deal with all kinds of people to add value to the society. Solving people’s problems gives immense satisfaction.
What are your main challenges as a politician?
It bothers me every day that wrongdoers get escaped. It is the fault of the system, which persecutes the innocent and fails to prosecute the devious and powerful. There are thousands of cases of disturbances and no government wants to open the box of insects. There is a pressure that does not allow the system to improve, and it is not easy even with the best leadership at the top.
We are working towards inclusive growth, where everyone has access to everything within the limits of social and economic fairness, unlike in the past when everything was illegally seized and the state did nothing. Four months in power is too little to remove the rot, but we have been able to stop it. For example, Vaigai’s water level is up for the first time in many years, after making noise about the theft of Periyar water in Theni.
Is that why you fuel political frustration on social media? Is it wise to engage in virtual conversations with known rivals and unknowns?
I rarely get agitated for personal reasons. I ignore people who twist, misrepresent and confuse words. But yes, sometimes I think there is a social benefit in exposing the fakes and lies, the empty shell, and the semi-literates who act as geniuses.
But you are often accused of being arrogant; Many people on social media tell you to step back and focus on work…
I call it self-control and confidence, not arrogance. If I have attitude and cold shoulder then call me arrogant. But not when I am kind to people and really don’t have time.
Many politicians accuse me of bragging about my lineage. If I’m not doing anything other than downvoting the name then I’m wrong. My achievements through hard work are in the public domain. I don’t need name-dropping. I am who I am. And yes, whatever chance I get, I invoke my ancestors because it is our Tamil culture to pay respect to our ancestors.
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a politician?
I get dragged into many issues and problems. I must learn to say no. My Strength: I believe in results and don’t deviate from mere symbolism.
Do you think the time has come for Tamil Nadu to play a bigger role in national politics?
Absolutely. This is a golden opportunity for us to show what it really means to be compassionate, efficient, socially and technologically sound governance. If the BJP could have won the 2014 elections riding on the Gujarat model, which was only a mirage, then we can certainly show what the Tamil Nadu model is and how important it can be for the rest of the country. Why would people with big holes in their pockets vote for lies and dualism again? We do not feed propaganda and hate. With our good governance, we can swing into 2024.
There are allegations of irregularities against the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. Privatization can help restore and maintain temples more efficiently, so why do you insist that temples remain under government control?
The government controls only those temples that belonged to kings, such as the Pandyas, the Pallavas and the Cheras, because they are as much about religion as about culture, history and architecture. I don’t understand how privatization can make temples more efficient. I am aware of irregularities and receive hundreds of complaints. It frustrates me as much as any other temple visitor. Madurai Meenakshi Temple is in my constituency and I am still not able to make changes for the better. If I make a board, how do you decide who will be on it to run the temple? There is no easy apolitical solution. Name the department in which there is no problem. Are government hospitals, corporation schools, water supply, garbage collection flawed? What else do I nationalize? Privatization cannot be the answer to every malaise; So the government should shut everything down?
And if this is wrong, why and how was it right for Uttarakhand to nationalize temples in recent years as well? Why did Modi’s Gujarat nationalize temples? How can we make different rules for different states?
Would you like to bring your sons into politics?
They are 16 and 14 years old now. I am not going to put any pressure on them. I came [into politics] 10 years after my father passed away. But every year I spent abroad, I felt the weight of my perceived legacy. I felt that I was on borrowed time because my father and grandfather always wanted me to work for the people.
I want my sons to read well, see the world, do what interests them. Even after that, if he wants to join politics, then it is completely his will.
How difficult has it been for your spouse to adjust to life here?
I am fortunate to have been blessed with a strong partner. Margaret and I met at university. I was unsure about how she would adjust, but today my family, voters, everyone loves her. She keeps our sons on the ground. Although it hurts, we deprive them of certain luxuries because we want them to understand that certain values are important.
How do you relax after your strenuous work schedule?
I enjoy spending time with my family. They are my lifeline and laughter is our medicine. Our pets bind us. Five dogs and one kitten are my best stress busters at home.
soma.basu@thehindu.co.in
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