After run-ins with Modi, Sushma Swaraj's inclusion in the Cabinet came as surprise to many

NEW DELHI: There’s been much speculation over what role Swaraj would play in the new administration given her lack of personal rapport with Modi. Even on May 16, when the election result was declared, she described it as the victory of the party.

Therefore her inclusion in the cabinet came as surprise to many. She had opposed Modi’s anointment as BJP campaign committee chief in June and later she resisted his elevation to prime ministerial candidate but did not speak outside the party forum.

Swaraj, 62, made her mark as Leader of the Opposition in the 15th Lok Sabha when she took on the government on a host of issues. Her speeches were keenly watched and at times she drew former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in debate, both leaders resorting to Urdu couplets to score against each other. However, her detractors said she was not up to the mark on certain issues, including the debate on the formation of Telangana. Swaraj has never been averse to taking risks in her political career.

She became a minister in 1977 at the age of 25 in Devi Lal’s cabinet in Haryana after she defeated Congress strongman and defence minister Bansi Lal. At the time she was a member of the Janata Party. She became a Rajya Sabha member in 1990 and entered the LS in 1996 from South Delhi. Swaraj was Information and Broadcasting Minister in the 13-day government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She got the same portfolio when she won the seat a second time in 1998 and later served as Health Minister.

Swaraj was instrumental in getting the BJP constitution amended to provide 33% reservation to women in all organizational posts. In October 1998, she accepted the post of Delhi Chief Minister despite not being too keen on it. The party lost the Assembly polls a couple of months later due to runaway prices, especially those of onions. She then returned to national politics.