Any time Prime Minister Narendra Modi has needed India’s corporate titans to back his industrial ambitions, Tata has been one of the first to answer. From rescuing the airline to backing chipmaking and building the new parliament complex, the conglomerate has been a crucial supporter of Modi’s “Make in India” vision. Under chair N Chandrasekaran, Tata has emerged as Apple’s most significant partner in India and built military aircraft parts.

Tata’s ties to New Delhi explain why rival camps in a bitter boardroom battle are lobbying hard at the top of government. People close to the fight say Chandrasekaran has gained the upper hand. He wants to lead Tata Sons into a stock market listing, ordered by India’s central bank to bring transparency. The listing is fiercely resisted by Noel Tata, who heads Tata Trusts and believes it would damage long-term thinking.

“Chandra does not need a lobbyist — he has direct access to the PM,” said a former colleague. A Delhi-based lobbyist added: “Chandra has done everything the government wants… [Tata’s] push into semiconductors, aircraft, everything is designed to make sure he has a direct personal connection with the prime minister.” The offices of Modi and Chandrasekaran did not respond to requests for comment.

Noel has also lobbied the government but with less success, partly because he only took on his Tata Trust role two years ago after the death of his half-brother Ratan. As a result, he has yet to build deep links at the top of government.