Top 10 Politicians Who Mattered To Us This Year
Narendra Damodardas Modi
Amit Shah
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
Smriti Irani
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 12th 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
Arvind Kejriwal
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
Arun Jaitley
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
Rajnath Singh
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
Manohar Parikkar
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
Sharad Pawar
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 Phadnavis
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
Sonia Gandhi
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
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