Pranab to resign today, will Manmohan Singh be the next FM?

The economic scenario is gloomy and there's a policy paralysis. The foreign investors are not too enthusiastic and a liberal, pro-reforms, corporate friendly finance minister is needed.

Sources say that the party is keen that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues as finance minister and presents the next budget as he fits the bill. It's highly likely that he appoints more secretaries and presents the next budget.

Chidambaram does come close but with controversies surrounding him, his shift next door may be difficult.

The other big worry is who becomes the leader of the Lok Sabha?

In the run up to 2014 elections, new political affiliations are emerging, allies are demanding, the opposition is belligerent; it requires the negotiating skills of Pranab to reach out to opponents to get important bills passed.

So, who could fit the bill, seniority leaves Sushil Kumar Shinde and Jaipal Reddy, but Shinde is facing the Adarsh scam heat and Jaipal is not seen as serious enough.

And all this requires a cabinet reshuffle and finding the right men.

And while Pranab is smiling his way to Rashtrapati Bhawan, his party has reason to frown.