June 15, 1998
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COVER STORY In the Court Of Chief Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cont... Atal Bihari Vajpayee The naturally aloof prime minister does not encourage hangers-on and groupies. Vajpayee's instinct is to run from the fixers and operators, although the compulsions of coalition politics compel him to tolerate some. But there is a tiny circle on whom Vajpayee leans heavily. Each member of that circle does a specific task. However, large areas, including the economy, are uncovered.
Among the most skilled practitioners of realpolitik in the BJP, Mahajan is now on round-the-clock attendance at the PMO. Though given the grand title of political adviser, he functions as a super assistant to Vajpayee. Besides dealing with allies and party MPs, he also speaks to the media. May be given ministerial responsibility.
The principal secretary has been in his elements since the nuclear tests. But it is still too early to predict whether Mishra, a retired IFS man, can extend his writ over the entrenched IAS lobby. Mishra's preoccupation with foreign policy also runs the risk of leading to a relative neglect of domestic issues.
The low-key Personal secretary has been thrust into the limelight due to his key role in the PMO. No file reaches Vajpayee without going through him. He also connects the PMO with the rest of the Government. Vajpayee has complete faith in Sinha, who is adept at providing instant inputs during parliamentary debates.
The only member of his inner circle that Vajpayee lists as a friend. Besides a shared interest in defence and foreign affairs, Vajpayee -- master of the Hindi language -- is impressed with Jaswant's formidable English and utilises his drafting skills. Jaswant is in virtually every task force set up by the prime minister. He formulates grand strategy |
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Pramod Mahajan
Brajesh Mishra
Shakti Singh
Jaswant Singh
