Race for FM: After Pranab Mukherjee, who next?
The race to Rashtrapati Bhawan may be over but the hunt has now begun to find a replacement for Pranab Mukherjee in the Finance Ministry. But what is corporate India's expectation from the new minister in this crucial portfolio?
June 16, 2012 / 18:16 IST
The race to Rashtrapati Bhawan may be over but the hunt has now begun to find a replacement for Pranab Mukherjee in the Finance Ministry. But what is corporate India's expectation from the new minister in this crucial portfolio?
The corporate India is looking forward to a reformer in the North Block. Former Infosys director Mohandas Pai said, "Corporate sector is disappointed with the Finance Minister's Budget which sends back to the pre-reforms days. India Inc is relieved and hoping for a finance minister who will be much more open, transparent and growth oriented."But who will be that person? The spin-doctor of 1991 Dr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister himself, is likely to hold the portfolio temporarily and sneak in some changes he wants.The other options for the post are:- Jairam Ramesh: Sharp thinker, advisor to various finance ministers including Dr Manmohan Singh and known more recently for his no-nonsense stint as the Environment Minister; He can pack quite a punch.- P Chidambaram: Despite several controversies, the former finance minister's name is also doing the rounds as he has an appetite to take decisions.- C Rangarajan: Currently the Chairman of the Prime Ministers' Economic Advisory Council and the former RBI governor, a person the Prime Minister has turned to fix things could also step up, and finally,- Montek Singh Ahluwalia: An economist and civil servant, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission also holds a slight chance.The challenge is immediate and daunting. How to restore India's economic growth miracles, the omens are not good, a farewell to incredible India could also mean a farewell to the party in power. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
