The most powerful indians in 2010: No. 21-30
The most powerful indians in 2010: No. 21-30
21 : Jairam Ramesh, 55
Minister for Environment
Why
He breaks into the list, and in the top 30, because Copenhagen showed he’s capable of negotiating domestic and global political challenges on policy. He put pragmatism in India’s climate negotiations. For six months ahead of the meet, Ramesh made small shifts in the government’s position and was able to convert it into the official line despite protests by influential members of India’s team. He has raised the profile of the Environment Ministry.
Power punch
In his statement in Parliament after the Copenhagen meet, Ramesh said he had gone beyond domestically comfortable commitments at the conference. The PM was there and he was backing his minister.
What next
Bt Brinjal: to clear or not to clear. Also, can he reduce the ministry’s discretionary powers on project grants?
22 : Fali S. Nariman, 81
Legal expert
Why
He goes up sharply in the list because, at a time when the Bar and Bench are accused of overreach, he is their conscience-keeper. From arguing for minority rights to being the only official to resign in protest against the Emergency, he blends legal acumen with integrity in a way few others can.
Power punch
When he lent his weight to the movement against Justice P.D. Dinakaran being elevated to the SC, their lordships listened. Justice Dinakaran’s appointment is now on hold, while his impeachment proceedings start.
What next
With questions about judicial accountability only set to get louder, Nariman’s mediating role remains the strongest hope of consensus emerging over judicial appointments and punishment.
The son of former diplomat, the late S.K. Singh, he makes it to the list because as his boss becomes more important, the aide who has the trust of the boss and can control access to the boss becomes a player. He’s becoming to Rahul Gandhi what Ahmed Patel is to Sonia Gandhi. He’s been with Rahul for five years and is the man for all jobs. Though extremely polite, he can give a piece of his mind to powerful ministers.
Power punch
Did AICC HQ know of Rahul’s tours during the last elections? No. That information was with Kanishka Singh. He planned Rahul’s campaign schedule.
What next
His big test will come as and when he starts dealing with party veterans outside the secure confines of 12 Tughlaq Lane, Rahul Gandhi’s residence and work HQ.
He goes up the list because he’s stronger in UPA-II. He helped the Congress-led alliance sweep Kerala in the Lok Sabha polls. In his first term as a “clean” defence minister, he became a confidante of Sonia Gandhi and was asked to handle the ministry a second time. Many in the government want a faster build-up of defence ties with the US and Israel. He prefers gradualism. He’s got his way so far.
Power punch
When a corruption scandal broke out last year in the Ordnance Factory Board, he banned seven defence firms from all dealings. He has also intervened firmly in the army land scam case.
What next
He has to ensure procurements of equipment close to $ 10 billion for the armed forces, though allegations of wrongdoing will inevitably crop up.