"What, uncle? Are you trying to lure Bharani to make you the Deputy Chief Minister?" Natarajan taunted Chakrapani, affectionately called 'uncle' by the group, because he was elder to every one in the group.
"What uncle says is correct. Already, there is a talk that we had started the political party for fun, but that people craving for a change voted for us, taking us seriously. Therefore, we should be careful to avoid acting like greenhorns and do things the way wise, mature and responsible people will. Though the party was launched by the efforts of the six of us, many people from other parties, celebrities and other kinds of people have joined our party, subsequently. Therefore, we should avoid creating the impression that the party belongs to the six of us and make every one in the party feel at home" said Aravindan.
"Does it mean that uncle is not getting the post of the Deputy Chief Minister?" quipped Suresh. Every one including Chakrapani, laughed genially.
"It is because of the efforts of all of you that our party grew so fast, resulting in our winning the election and coming to power. It is only due to your initiative and support that the party has chosen me to be the Chief Minister. The friendship between the six of us will always remain strong. But, as some of you have pointed out, we should earn a good name from other people in the party and from the public. Only then, we will be able to carry out the objectives for which we had launched the party. I request that all of you understand the rationale behind my actions and back me in running the government" said Bharani.
Six months had passed since Bharani formed the government. One day, he asked Chakrapani, when the two were alone, "How are things going for us, uncle?"
"Everything is going on well, Bharani. People appreciate your approach and style of governance. They are happy about the schemes you have launched. Our state is progressing in all areas. I feel very proud of my association with you" said Chakrapani.
"Uncle! Among our friends, I have offered ministerial berth only to Aravindan. Many people expected that I would make you the Deputy Chief Minister..."
"But, I didn't!" said Chakrapani, interrupting Bharani.
"You are not disappointed by my decision!" asked Bharani, with a sense of embarrassment.
"Definitely, not. I told you I didn't expect you to offer that position to me!"
"I hope you are not saying this out of anger or sorrow!"
"No. I am being truthful. I knew how your thinking would be. At the time we launched the party, none of us had any experience in politics. Your becoming the Chief Minister was natural, because you were our leader. But, you could have offered ministerial berths only to those who had the requisite skills and the capacity to function as a minister. I expected you to follow that approach. All of us have known that in our group, Aravindan is a genius. So, making him a minister was the right decision."
"I am relieved that you have understood my line of thinking and approach. But I am not sure whether our other friends have understood me correctly. Since you are a person who can look at things in the proper perspective, I spoke to you openly. But, I wonder whether I will be able to talk to others and convince him."
"You don't have to worry about it, Bharani. Everyone has understood you correctly. Moreover, you have given us responsibilities in the party. You have carefully assessed the strength of each of us and given appropriate responsibilities. All of us appreciate your objective approach and your acting without showing any favouritism or special consideration to your friends. All of us admire the way you do things, by weighing the pros and cons of every option before you. We are all proud to be your friends. You can talk to any of our friends. They will confirm what I have said" said Chakrapani, his tone conveying his pride.
Section 2
Cherishing One's Kith and Kin
adhu nOkki vAzhvAr palar.
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