Tata Group's Leadership Crisis: A Year After Ratan Tata's Passing, A ₹7.18 Lakh Crore Loss and Internal Strife

It's been a year since the passing of Ratan Tata, a name synonymous with the Tata Group and a figure deeply respected across India. While the nation mourned the loss of a visionary leader, a quiet power struggle has been brewing within the group's highest echelons. This internal conflict has now come to the forefront, threatening the stability of one of India's most iconic business empires.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Split: The Tata Trusts' leadership has fractured into two factions, one led by Noel Tata and the other by Mehli Mistry.
• Financial Downturn: The Tata Group has reportedly suffered a significant loss of ₹7.18 lakh crore in the year following Ratan Tata's death.
• Disagreements: The core of the dispute lies in disagreements over board appointments, company policies, and the future direction of the group.
• Government Intervention: The Indian government, concerned about the economic impact, has attempted to mediate the conflict.

The Succession Puzzle

Ratan Tata's passing in October 2024 left a void, not just in leadership but also in succession planning. With no direct heirs, the question of who would steer the vast Tata conglomerate became paramount. After a period of suspense, Noel Tata, Ratan Tata's half-brother and a long-time associate of the group, was appointed Chairman of the Tata Trusts in October 2024. This appointment, initially met with little objection, was seen as a natural progression, given Noel Tata's extensive experience and the family's deep-rooted legacy.

The Emerging Divide

However, by October 2025, exactly one year after Ratan Tata's death, the leadership landscape had dramatically shifted. The Tata Trusts, which holds a controlling 66% stake in the Tata Sons (the group's parent company), became the epicentre of a major internal conflict. The leadership fractured into two distinct camps: one aligned with Noel Tata and the other with Mehli Mistry. The Mistry faction began challenging Noel Tata's decisions and sought greater oversight on the chairmanship, while Noel's group advocated for maintaining the status quo.

The Numbers Don't Lie

While public sentiment might lean towards Noel Tata, the financial figures paint a stark picture. In the year following Ratan Tata's demise, the Tata Group's net worth reportedly plummeted from ₹33.57 lakh crore to ₹26.39 lakh crore, a staggering loss of ₹7.18 lakh crore. This significant financial downturn has led to blame being placed squarely on Noel Tata's leadership.

Understanding the Tata Trusts

To grasp the depth of this conflict, it's important to understand the role of the Tata Trusts. This entity is the ultimate controlling shareholder of Tata Sons, which in turn owns stakes in all major Tata companies like Tata Motors, Tata Steel, TCS, and Tata Power. Essentially, the Tata Trusts act as the group's ultimate authority. The current dispute among the trustees of this powerful organisation has thrown the entire group into uncertainty.

The Spark of Conflict

The friction became apparent in September 2025 during a Tata Trust meeting. A proposal to re-appoint Vijay Singh, a former trustee, to Tata Sons was put forth by Noel Tata and Vice-Chairman Venu Srinivasan. However, four other trustees – Mehli Mistry, Darius Khambata, K.M. Mistry, and Ratan Tata's close aide, N. Chandrasekaran – opposed this move. This disagreement led to the first-ever vote in the history of the Tata Trusts, resulting in the proposal's rejection.

The Factions Emerge

The eight trustees of the Tata Trusts are now divided:

• Noel Tata's Faction: Noel Tata (Chairman), Venu Srinivasan (Vice-Chairman), and N. Chandrasekaran (Chairman of Tata Sons).
• Mehli Mistry's Faction: Mehli Mistry, Darius Khambata, K.M. Mistry, and Jahangir H.C. Jahangir.

It's believed that the Mistry faction has ties to the Shapoorji Pallonji family, which holds a significant 18.37% stake in Tata Sons. This historical connection adds another layer to the ongoing power struggle.

Key Points of Contention

The disagreements extend beyond just board appointments:

• Transparency and Decision-Making: The Mistry faction alleges that Noel Tata's group makes key decisions, such as appointments and strategic moves, without proper consultation or transparency.
• Power Balance: There are accusations that one faction is acting like a 'super board,' making decisions unilaterally.
• Tata Sons Listing: A major point of contention is the proposed listing of Tata Sons on the stock market. The Shapoorji Pallonji family, seeking to dilute some of its stake, supports the listing. However, the Noel Tata faction is reportedly opposing it, which could stall the family's plans.
• Past Grievances: The removal of Cyrus Mistry, also from the Shapoorji Pallonji family, as Chairman in 2016 due to corruption allegations, may also be a lingering factor.

Government Intervention

Recognising the potential economic fallout of such a significant dispute within India's largest business group, the government has stepped in. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with key figures from the Tata Group, including Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, N. Chandrasekaran, and Darius Khambata. The government has urged the parties to resolve the matter internally to avoid damaging the reputation of the Tata Group and its impact on India's economy, which relies heavily on the conglomerate's performance.

The Road Ahead

Meetings are ongoing, and the Tata Group is keen to resolve this internal conflict discreetly. However, if a resolution isn't reached, the matter could potentially escalate to legal proceedings. The current situation underscores the immense challenge of leadership transition, especially in a group with such a rich history and profound impact on the nation's economic landscape. The coming months will be critical in determining the future trajectory of the Tata Group.