Top 10 Politicians Who Mattered To Us This Year

For having fashioned the grandiose victory for his Lotus party, this man with humble beginnings in Bharatiya Janata Party turned out to be its biggest asset. Having served as Gujarat chief minister, Modi not only steered the party to what could be described as the ‘Tsunami’ victory sweeping the assembly polls held in phases this year, he also made sure the opposition was left groping in dark. Man of a steel will, Modi is the first Prime Minister of India who was born after the country freed itself from British colonial rule.

Image: TOI

Modi’s man Friday, Amit Shah is the nerve centre of BJP. Modi and Shah make for an invincible team that has been holding aloft the Bharatiya Janata Party, ensuring every successive election is fought with a state-specific strategy. Wherever Shah has walked, the footsteps of political opponents have vanished without trace. His next move is always watched with more curiosity than the release of the biggest Hollywood blockbuster. Sure enough, man packs quite a couple of punches.

Image: BCCL

When Modi pulled out this card for a minister, it was best described a wild card entry into politics. In more ways than one, it still is. A lady whose formal education stopped at 12^th class, and life continued while she waited tables at restaurants and then entered the Indian psyche through the most popular soap produced by Ekta Kapoor, this ‘Tulsi’ was considered the embodiment of all things Indian. Sure enough, she joined BJP and at one point was vehemently opposed to Modi. Tide has turned, and she is today the Minister for Human Resources.

Image: Indiatimes

His AAP coming to power demolishing the structure created by Congress rule in Delhi, itself was nothing less than a miracle. He did attract a lot of counter reactions when he resigned on an impulse over the differences that cropped up around Jan Lokpal bill. Sure enough, Kejriwal is still a force to reckon with, after Congress having accepted its fate since long.

Image: TOI

He is the most important person in BJP with his longstanding experience of having served in the Lok Sabha. Mr Know-it-all and Mr wisdom-personified, Arun Jaitley is the most important name that changed the course of Indian politics through his debates and arguments at the parliament. One of the few gentlemen left in politics made his mark when he became the minister Finance, and holds additional charge of Information and Broadcasting in the recent cabinet reshuffle.

Image: Arun Jaitley's official website 

A seasoned politician again, Singh is no meek voice in the cabinet. He is right after Modi when it comes to preceding meetings. He was among those who sensed the Modi wave, and man’s potential in being able to turn the tide for BJP. Hence, he played a crucial role in ensuring Modi was declared the PM candidate and sure enough, it was party time at BJP!

Image: PIB

His experience as Goa Chief Minister, and his attitude to mince no words when it comes to speaking the truth, Manohar Parikkar’s name assumed centrestage when the cabinet expansion was on. He now handles defence portfolio and is the most trusted lieutenant of Modi when it comes to execution of some tough decisions.

Image: indiatimes

He surprised everyone when he announced his unconditional support to BJP forming a government in Maharashtra. Pawar who is adept at his game, has remained in power always, no matter who led the pack. Wonder if he will offer the bitter pill to BJP over a period of time, or will get better himself.

Image: indiatimes

Devendra Gangadharrao Phadnavis was the obvious choice for CM when BJP swept polls in Maharashtra. He quickly learnt his ropes in politics after he became the youngest corporator at the age of 21. Today, integrity and loyalty has paid off. Before him are a slew of challenges – of managing egos and turning things better for Maharashtra.

Image: indiatimes

This name figures in the list for having so stupendously bungled up things for the Congress Party. A humiliating defeat with serious lack of perspective, Ms Gandhi could well pull up her socks and get down to doing some serious work. Right now, it looks like she has quietly walked into the sunset. But, has she?

 Image: indiatimes