Inside the 24 hours that laid bare Tata’s brutal power struggle
The conglomerate is helming several prestige projects for India.
On September 17, directors of Tata Sons gathered for a crucial meeting at their headquarters in Mumbai. Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, came armed with a strategy to keep the conglomerate privately held. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, known as Chandra, the current chairman of Tata Sons, had previously signaled openness to listing the company but ultimately decided against seeking another term after facing opposition earlier in 2026.
The meeting initially focused on routine business matters, but soon Chandra's tenure extension proposal threatened to shift the focus. Noel Tata argued that a listing was not inevitable and suggested the board seek a hearing with top officials to defend the company's private status, allowing for possible legal avenues to remain private for at least three more years. Chandra's reappointment was extended by four directors, while one voted against the extension, deepening the rift over control and the conglomerate's future.
The controversy surrounding Tata Sons and Chandra's tenure is likely to spark legal battles and political scrutiny, as the conglomerate navigates critical projects and faces pressure from various stakeholders.
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