Devenbhau is the perfect boss that everyone likes

NAGPUR: What makes Devendra Fadnavis a good human being and has seen him rise to a high position in politics at a relatively young age is his humble and simple nature. Eight people comprise his staff and all of them address Fadnavis endearingly as 'bhau' (elder brother), which is what he is to most. Most politicians keep their office well away from their homes. Not Fadnavis. His office is situated on the ground floor of his bungalow at Plot No 276 in Dharampeth right from the time he became a corporator at 22, the second-youngest mayor in the country at 27 and an MLA at 29. The staff freely mingles with his family and they have grown to become one. Hence, Fadnavis has never felt the need to shift his office. "When we were young, we played together as I used to reside in front of bhau's house. I was like a friend to him. I became his personal assistant to him when he became mayor in 1997. Now, 19 years later I am still working with him. I can never think of leaving him in my life," says Shashank Anand Dabholkar.He added that Fadnavis takes good care of all staff members. "Right from financial assistance to personal problems, bhau takes interest in all issues. He never shouts or insults anyone. In case of any mistake, he explains patiently and with a cool mind, which is very encouraging to us not to make the same mistake again," he said. Atul Thakre, who looks after Fadnavis' work at Mantralaya and assembly, says he owes his life to the chief minister-in-waiting. "I met with an accident and went into coma. Bhau was abroad but he ensured that I was shifted to the best hospital in the city. He used to talk to the doctors and inquire about my health, and also to my family members. On landing in the city, he came straight to meet me. He fully paid for my treatment. Bhau treats all family members like his younger brothers," he said."The workload on us is quite high when compared to other legislators' assistants. But its smooth going as bhau has made a name for himself in Mumbai. I have learnt much from him and his working style," he said. Fadnavis' driver Amrish Tiwari is another staff member who says he is living a second life because of him. "I have been working with bhau for 11 years and will continue for a lifetime. He will ensure that I have eaten in the same VIP area where he has had tea, lunch or dinner. I have even eaten in the house of the late Gopinath Munde's residence many times when I have gone there with bhau. My marriage was also arranged by him. He comes to our small residence and attends all functions. I am very lucky to work under him," he said.BOSS KA SCHEDULEA normal days in Devendra Fadnavis's life as per his office staff7am: Wakes up and have a tea7.30am: Starts reading almost all major newspapers for at least 90 minutes9am: Bathes and performs puja, has breakfast9.30am: Comes to office and attends to citizens' complaints for at least 2 hours12.30pm: Takes lunch and spends time with family for 90 minutes2pm: Leaves for scheduled programmes and appointments