While it might seem that the exit of Cyrus Mistry from Tata was more or less reactionary, preparations had been going on for the ouster for months.
The inclusion of Piramel Enterprises chair, Ajai Piramel and TVS Motor chair, Venu Srinivasan into the Tata Sons board in August was ominous. Tata Trust, the main shareholder of the group, did not even discuss the appointments with Cyrus Mistry. The appointments served as sweet revenge to Mistry's clearing the takeover of Wellspun Solar Farm for USD1.4bn. He had ruffled some important feathers when he approved the takeover without consulting the Tata family.
In fact, the grudge against Mistry had been growing ever since it became clear that the young leader was operating not in accordance with the traditions, heritage and aspirations of the Tata Group.