Pranab Mukherjee seen ahead in race for FM's job
As Cong lines up talent to fill key posts, Pranab emerged front-runner for FM. Montek's candidature is still on discussion table. Polls: Full Coverage | Ballot Humour
By ET Bureau |
NEW DELHI: As the Congress lines up talent to fill key posts in the new government, Pranab Mukherjee has emerged as the front-runner for the finance portfolio. Montek Singh Ahluwalia���s candidature is still on the discussion table, but political opinion within the organisation seems to be in favour of Mr Mukherjee.
Mr Mukherjee is learnt to have conveyed to the leadership that his advancing age will not permit him to undertake frequent foreign trips and other drills associated with the external affairs job. There is recognition in the party that Mr Mukherjee is better equipped to handle the finance ministry.
In these times of economic crisis, the finance ministry is not just about juggling numbers, it is equally a political portfolio, and no one could fit the bill better than the veteran from West Bengal, goes the party opinion. Should Mr Mukherjee move out of the external affairs ministry, Kapil Sibal could be considered for the job.
Kamal Nath, who was among the contenders for the finance minister���s job, is now said to have had a rethink, and is keen to stay on in the commerce ministry.
The party, sources said, has devised a three-layered litmus test ��� loyalty, capability and electability ��� for ministerial aspirants. The party will also take care to ensure representation of all communities, caste groupings and regions.
Sources in the government said the new Cabinet will be a mixture of experience and youth. While the former will be vetted by Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi will play a decisive role in choosing the ministers from the GenNext category.
Mr Mukherjee is learnt to have conveyed to the leadership that his advancing age will not permit him to undertake frequent foreign trips and other drills associated with the external affairs job. There is recognition in the party that Mr Mukherjee is better equipped to handle the finance ministry.
In these times of economic crisis, the finance ministry is not just about juggling numbers, it is equally a political portfolio, and no one could fit the bill better than the veteran from West Bengal, goes the party opinion. Should Mr Mukherjee move out of the external affairs ministry, Kapil Sibal could be considered for the job.
Kamal Nath, who was among the contenders for the finance minister���s job, is now said to have had a rethink, and is keen to stay on in the commerce ministry.
The party, sources said, has devised a three-layered litmus test ��� loyalty, capability and electability ��� for ministerial aspirants. The party will also take care to ensure representation of all communities, caste groupings and regions.
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The task will not be difficult as many of the ministers in the outgoing government need not be accommodated. The list of those who will not get back into the government include Arjun Singh, confined to a wheel-chair for long now, and AR Antulay, who has lost the election.Sources in the government said the new Cabinet will be a mixture of experience and youth. While the former will be vetted by Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi will play a decisive role in choosing the ministers from the GenNext category.
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