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Most powerful Indians 2015 : Indian Express

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By: Express News Service | Updated: February 28, 2015 5:31 pm
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Rank 1 | Narendra Modi (64) | Prime Minister

2014: Rank 1

WHY

Nine months after he led his party to a spectacular victory in the 2014 parliamentary elections, he leads a government where centralisation of power is almost complete — he picks a broom to launch his Swacch Bharat Mission nationwide and reaches out over his ministers to deal with bureaucrats. His PMO is said to be the most powerful since Indira Gandhi’s, virtually the command centre for all ministries. He has a say on everything from the private secretaries his ministers can appoint to the size of India’s Asian Games contingent. He is one politician who makes news every time he speaks (his perpetual stump speeches, ‘Mann ki Baat’, addresses to NRIs) and every time he doesn’t (his ‘silence’ on RSS’s ‘ghar wapsi’ and controversial remarks by his MPs came in for criticism).

POWER PUNCH

Getting Barack Obama as chief guest for the Republic Day parade, the second visit by the President of the US, a country that had not-too-long ago denied Modi a visa.

WHAT NEXT

After the BJP’s crushing defeat in the Delhi Assembly polls, Modi’s mass appeal will be put to test in the Bihar elections.

BY THE WAY

He sends text messages to many senior bureaucrats, asking about the progress of his pet projects.

Rank 2 | Amit Shah (50) | BJP president

2014: Rank 18

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WHY

Because he is known to listen to none except Narendra Modi. He scripted the BJP’s stunning performance in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 71 of 80 seats in the state, and paving the way for Modi to come to Delhi. After that feat, he confidently broke BJP’s alliances and went solo in Assembly elections, emerging as winner in all except Delhi. Never popular among own party leaders, he took no time establishing himself as the unquestionable authority in the BJP.

POWER PUNCH

He removed party veterans L K Advani and M M Joshi as office-bearers and constituted a Margdarshak Mandal for them without triggering any protest from within the party. In the Maharashtra polls, he refused to give in to Shiv Sena’s pressure on seat sharing or ministerial berths.

WHAT NEXT

After his strategy flopped in Delhi, all eyes are now on Bihar.

BY THE WAY: When he was in prison, he read the Bhagvad Gita to fellow inmates.

Rank 3 | Mohan Bhagwat (64) | RSS chief

2014: Rank 10

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WHY

As RSS sarsanghchalak, he oversaw the organisation’s relentless campaigning for Narendra Modi as PM and thus helped the BJP win an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha. Unlike his predecessors KS Sudarshan and Rajju Bhaiya who mostly played advisory roles as sarsanghchalaks, Bhagwat is more hands-on, with full control over the organisation.

POWER PUNCH

“Our women are not baby factories,” he said in Kanpur while interacting with 300 delegates from 40 organisations affiliated to the Sangh. That was the first time someone from the Sangh had disowned the Sakshi Maharaj line. Also, during the election campaign, he told RSS cadres not to cross their limits for the BJP and to refrain from chanting “Namo Namo”.

WHAT NEXT

He has the tough task of reining in Modi, who has become larger than his party. His role is also crucial in the NDA government because conflicts are inevitable between RSS members and the BJP-led Cabinet.

BY THE WAY: He was a veterinary officer at Chamorshi, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, before becoming pracharak in 1975.

Rank 4 | Arun Jaitley (62) | Finance and I&B Minister

2014: Rank 14

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WHY

Jaitley has long settled the debate over who is No. 2 in the Cabinet. He is the only minister Modi can’t ignore, as none of his colleagues matches the clout he has in industry, diplomatic and judicial circles. The PM relies on his expertise in trying to turn around the economy.

POWER PUNCH

He heads a key ministry — Finance — despite his loss in Amritsar in the Lok Sabha polls.

WHAT NEXT

He will be key to the government’s promise of achche din.

BY THE WAY: Having lost 30 kg post-bariatric surgery, he now wears blazers and jackets he had collected in ’90s.

Rank 5 | Sonia Gandhi (68) | Congress president

2014: Rank 3

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WHY

Her party’s stock has fallen sharply, but Sonia remains the tallest Congress leader, with even disgruntled partymen rallying behind her. Her adversaries still respect her, and visiting heads of states seek to meet her.

POWER PUNCH

After the Lok Sabha polls, she took “full responsibility for this crushing defeat”, thus stamping her authority again on the party and shielding Rahul from blame.

WHAT NEXT

The onus of reviving the Congress falls squarely on her shoulders.

BY THE WAY: Prefers dal with every meal.

Rank: 6 | Pranab Mukherjee (79) | President of India

2014: Rank 5

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WHY

His is the voice the BJP can’t ignore. He made his displeasure known on the string of ordinances promulgated by the Centre.

POWER PUNCH

After that warning by Pranab, NDA held back the ordinance on the Arbitration and Conciliation Act.

WHAT NEXT

His role as an upholder of the Constitution will come into play if and when the NDA uses its brute
majority in Parliament to push through laws.

BY THE WAY: During the ‘83 World Cup final, he was so immersed in work that Indira Gandhi had to call him and say, “Go watch the match”.

Rank: 7 | Arvind Kejriwal (46) | Chief Minister (Delhi)

2014: Rank 4

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WHY

In just over two years of launching AAP, Kejriwal has scripted two poll victories — his party won 28 out of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly in 2013, and a historic 67 seats in 2015.

POWER PUNCH

For being the first to check the BJP’s winning spree and reducing the party to three seats in Delhi. Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar have spoken in his support.

WHAT NEXT

He will work towards systemic changes in governance and eventually look to scale up the party.

BY THE WAY: During his activist days, he would trade home-made food for dhaba fare.

Rank: 8 | Rajnath Singh, 63 | Union Home Minister

2014: Rank 11

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WHY

As party president of the BJP before the polls, he read the writing on the wall and threw his weight behind Modi as PM candidate. After the BJP’s emphatic win, he was put in charge of the crucial Home Ministry.

POWER PUNCH

Singh has been chosen to talk to farmers opposed to BJP’s land ordinance. For Singh, this could be his chance to come into his own.

WHAT NEXT

Will he emerge as the rallying point for those cut up with the Modi-Shah combine?

BY THE WAY: In the 1980s, he wrote a book on unemployment that is out of print now. He too doesn’t have a copy.
 
Rank: 9 | Sushma Swaraj, 63 | External Affairs Minister

2014: Rank 13

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WHY

For someone who has no illusions about which camp she doesn’t belong to, Swaraj is watched for every public statement she makes. Though she bagged a key portfolio, so far foreign policy has been all about Modi.

POWER PUNCH

Her comments on “the country’s spirit of unity amidst diversity” came days after similar comments by Obama left the BJP squirming.

WHAT NEXT

Will travel to Sri Lanka early March to prepare the ground for Modi’s visit mid-March.

BY THE WAY: She has got saris as gifts wherever she has visited as Foreign Minister, even China.

Rank: 10| H L Dattu (64) | Chief Justice of India

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

The face of the judiciary, he will have a say in the appointment of Lokpal, the CBI director and will also head the proposed National Judicial Appointments Commission.

POWER PUNCH

He led the bench that put the spotlight on the black money case, and compelled the government to submit complete details to the SIT.

WHAT NEXT

He will soon take a call on the Centre’s new policy that seeks to change the regulatory regime of environmental clearances.

BY THE WAY: He is a devotee of the Shani Shingnapur temple in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.



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Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi
By: Express News Service | Published on:February 28, 2015 5:26 pm
Rank 11 | Rahul Gandhi (44) | Congress Vice-President

2014: Rank 2

WHY

No one makes as much news for simply deciding to go on leave. As things stand in the Congress, even his worst critics grudgingly acknowledge that he is the party’s heir apparent.

POWER PUNCH

His “leave of absence” from “active politics” is being projected as a sign of his displeasure over not getting a “free hand” to
carry out “structural” reforms in the party.

WHAT NEXT

He will outline his “vision” at an AICC session in March. Will he finally be Congress president?

BY THE WAY: He likes to make his point with sketch pens, white boards and Post-its.

Rank 12 | Smriti Irani (38) | HRD Minister

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

The youngest Cabinet minister, she got the plum portfolio of HRD despite having no previous administrative experience. She took on Rahul Gandhi on his home turf Amethi and put up a spirited fight.

POWER PUNCH

Got Delhi University to roll back the controversial Four Year Undergraduate Course soon after she took over.

WHAT NEXT

Will she steer clear of RSS’s line on education ‘reforms’? All eyes will be on her as the new national education policy comes out this year.

BY THE WAY: She personally goes to Gujarat Fisheries in Delhi to buy her fish.

Rank 13 | Devendra Fadnavis (44) | Maharashtra Chief Minister

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Despite Nitin Gadkari and Eknath Khadse openly expressing their desire to be CM, the BJP chose Fadnavis to head its first government in Maharashtra. A municipal corporator at 21, and Nagpur’s youngest mayor at 27, Fadnavis was also an effective MLA in the House.

POWER PUNCH

He has defied political tradition by giving the go-ahead for corruption probes against top NCP leaders such as Ajit Pawar and Chhagan Bhujbal.

WHAT NEXT

Has to keep the alliance with the Shiv Sena on an even keel despite provocations from the other side.

BY THE WAY: He is a good singer.

Rank 14 | Mukesh Ambani (57) | Chairman, Reliance Industries

2014: Rank 19

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WHY

He’s the promoter of India’s third most valuable listed company, and the country’s richest person. After making his mark in retail, he is now eyeing telecom. He’s involved in a tussle with the government over gas production and pricing.

POWER PUNCH

He has announced Rs 1 lakh crore investment in petrochemical business and 4G broadband service.

WHAT NEXT

His ongoing arbitration on gas pricing will be keenly watched in the wake of controversies surrounding the arbitrators.

BY THE WAY: He loves nature and holidays in wildlife destinations.

Rank 15 | Mamata Banerjee (60) | West Bengal Chief Minister

2014: Rank 7

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WHY

Despite the shadow of the Saradha scam, she derives her clout from Trinamool being the fourth largest party in Parliament. Her 12 RS MPs are crucial in the numbers game. The Trinamool has been the most vocal opposition party in Parliament.

POWER PUNCH

She denounced the NITI Aayog formed by Narendra Modi and boycotted its first meeting.

WHAT NEXT

She is emerging as the chief architect of a possible anti-BJP, anti-Modi front.

BY THE WAY: She used to man a milk booth and distribute milk for a commission of Re 1 a day.

Rank 16 | Raghuram Rajan (52) | Governor, Reserve Bank of India

2014: Rank 16

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WHY

The UPA appointee tightened interest rates last year to bring prices under control despite pressure from the government to ease the tight monetary regime. He relented only recently and cut the Repo rate when inflation fell. He took decisive steps to augment forex reserves and stabilise the rupee.

POWER PUNCH

Naming Hitler, Rajan said recently that “strong governments may not move in the right direction”.

WHAT NEXT

Whether he cuts rates will hinge on inflation, NDA’s fiscal management.

BY THE WAY: He is a marathon runner and has a passion for squash.
 
Rank 17 | Ajit Doval (70) | National Security Adviser

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Doval is arguably the most powerful NSA India has ever had — a foreign policy czar and homeland security commissar rolled into one.

POWER PUNCH

In November, Doval, a former IB chief, was appointed Special Representative for border talks with China, despite pressure on the PM to appoint a foreign policy expert.

WHAT NEXT

Modi’s national security promises involve large-scale reform of the intelligence and defence systems, which Doval will oversee.

BY THE WAY: Doval has to sneak out of his office to smoke, because of the PM’s zero-tolerance policy.

Rank 18 | Ghulam Nabi Azad (65) | Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

He can block a Bill in the Upper House where the BJP is way short of majority. With the BJP not likely to secure a majority till its term ends in 2019, Azad will play a key role.

POWER PUNCH

Got the National Conference, which had snapped ties with the Congress before Assembly polls in J&K, to back his re-nomination for Rajya Sabha.

WHAT NEXT

He has to ensure the Opposition sticks together during the Budget Session, where the government has lined up an ambitious legislative agenda which includes Bills to replace the land and coal ordinances.

BY THE WAY: He loves gardening.

Rank 19 | Cyrus Mistry (46) | Chairman, Tata Group

2014: Rank 23

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WHY

As chairman of the largest diversified Indian business group, Mistry took strong decisions in 2014. He decided to sell the Long Products division of Tata Steel, and led the group’s re-entry in the aviation business with a JV with Singapore Airlines.

POWER PUNCH

He let go of Raymond Bickson, MD of Indian Hotels Co, in August 2014 even though the latter had got a 5-year term in 2013.

WHAT NEXT

He has asked all firms to be customer-centric and design products that meet their needs.

BY THE WAY: He is an Irish national and loves SUVs.

Rank 20 | Mufti Mohammad Sayeed (79) | PDP patron, J&K CM-in-waiting

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Led by him, PDP has become the single largest party in the state within just 15 years of parting ways with Congress. Mufti is also taking the biggest risk of his political career by aligning with the BJP.

POWER PUNCH

Has made the BJP concede ground on contentious issues such as Article 370 and AFSPA.

WHAT NEXT

Has to make his alliance with the BJP work while ensuring that core issues of his party don’t get diluted.

BY THE WAY: He started his schooling from Maktab, a madrasa offering religious schooling.



By: Express News Service | Published on:February 28, 2015 5:26 pm
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Rank 21 | Vasundhara Raje (61) | Rajasthan Chief Minister

2014: Rank 33

WHY

It may be all about Narendra Modi and Amit Shah at the Centre, but in Rajasthan, Raje rules the roost. Her dissidents too have read the writing on the wall.

POWER PUNCH

Has steered dynamic reforms in the labour laws of the state, paving the way for massive employment and investment right in the first year of her second tenure as chief minister.

WHAT NEXT

Raje’s pet project, Bhamashah Yojana, a precursor to Modi’s Jan-Dhan, will be implemented this year.

BY THE WAY: Raje personally oversees cleaning of her house, office and secretariat when she has the time.

Rank: 22 | Shivraj Singh Chouhan (55) | Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister

2014: Rank 26

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WHY

The man who became CM in 2005 when not even an MLA, led the BJP to its third consecutive term in power in Madhya Pradesh in 2013.

POWER PUNCH

Given his ‘secular’, affable image, he was projected by a section of the BJP as a more acceptable PM nominee than Narendra Modi.

WHAT NEXT

As Vyapam scam shadow lengthens, rumours that he would lose his job and be drafted into the Union Cabinet will gain ground.

BY THE WAY: Often talks of the fact that he does yoga despite the rods inserted in his legs.

Rank: 23 | Manohar Parrikar (59) | Defence Minister

2014: Rank 46

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WHY

Narendra Modi is believed to have persuaded the former Goa CM to move to Delhi to take charge of the Defence Ministry. The fate of multiple acquisitions, modernisation of forces rests with him.

POWER PUNCH

Got DRDO chief Avinash Chander to step down, saying they needed younger scientists.

WHAT NEXT

Has been working on a defence procurement policy with a ‘Make in India’ focus. Has also promised a relook at blacklisting and at formalising the role of middlemen.

BY THE WAY: The IITian once ran a manufacturing business.

Rank: 24 | Mallikarjun Kharge (72) | Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha

NEW IN THE LIST

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WHY

Has the unenviable task of leading the depleted Congress in the House, now further deflated due to Rahul Gandhi’s absence. Is a key opposition presence in panels to pick heads of CBI, Lokpal, CIC etc.

POWER PUNCH

Set the tone in the first session of the 16th LS by drawing the Kaurava-Pandava analogy to tell the BJP that Congress would be no pushover.

WHAT NEXT

Has to ensure coordination with the Opposition to remain relevant in the House.

BY THE WAY: A lover of couplets, he is known to put them to good use.
 
Rank: 25 | Gautam Adani (52) | Industrialist

2014: Rank 98

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WHY

Has emerged as India’s ports tycoon, with growing acquisitions in other fields as well. He has also risen in stature as he is seen to be close to PM Narendra Modi.

POWER PUNCH

Chinese magazine Hurun Report ranked Adani among top 10 richest Indians in 2014, with a net worth of Rs 44,000 crore.

WHAT NEXT

The Adani Group announced investments totalling Rs 45,000 crore at the recent Vibrant Gujarat Summit, including an MoU to expand capacity of its ports in the state.

BY THE WAY: He likes listening to Bollywood music.

Rank: 26 | Nitish Kumar (63) | Bihar Chief Minister

2014: Rank 29

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WHY

Is the prime mover behind the Janata Parivar formation to take on the BJP. Also got the grouping to back his return as Bihar CM.

POWER PUNCH

It’s due to his efforts that Janata Parivar is all but stitched. When Jitan Ram Manjhi started making noises against him, Nitish rallied the party behind him to remove Manjhi as CM despite the risks of acting against a Mahadalit leader.

WHAT NEXT

‘Development man’ Nitish is still JD(U)’s best bet in the coming polls.

BY THE WAY: Always travels with a hand sanitiser, and ensures everyone with him uses it too before eating.

Rank: 27 | P K Mishra (65) | Additional Principal Secretary to PM

NEW ON LIST

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WHY

The IAS officer who had showcased his abilities over several stints in Gujarat was handpicked by the PM. Mishra handles all key appointments given his direct access to the PM. Not much can move in the PMO without his knowledge.

POWER PUNCH

Is the only one in the PMO who can eclipse Nripendra Misra in terms of influence. A call from his office is enough for secretaries to come rushing back late in the evening for work.

WHAT NEXT

He is expected to push the Delhi bureaucracy to keep pace with Modi.

BY THE WAY: A loner, he is rarely seen at social gatherings.

Rank: 28 | S Jaishankar (60) | Foreign Secretary

NEW ON LIST

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WHY

Was inducted as the new Foreign Secretary just three days before his retirement, curtailing the tenure of incumbent Sujatha Singh. Is respected for his deep understanding of China, Russia and the US, and impressed PM Narendra Modi with his handling of ties with America.

POWER PUNCH

As Ambassador to the US, helped secure President Barack Obama’s acceptance of the Republic Day invite.

WHAT NEXT

Will undertake SAARC Yatra in March to connect with neighbours.

BY THE WAY: He remains close to CPM leader Sitaram Yechury, NCP’s D P Tripathi, friends from his JNU days.

Rank: 29 | Uddhav Thackeray (54) | Shiv Sena president

2014: Rank 32

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WHY

Has proved detractors wrong by coming up trumps against cousin Raj Thackeray as the inheritor of father Bal Thackeray’s legacy. Sena deserters are now seeking a way back.

POWER PUNCH

Drove a hard bargain with the BJP, and keeps landing blows on it. After the Delhi results, he said Arvind Kejriwal’s win showed “tsunami is always larger than a wave”.

WHAT NEXT

Retaining power in BMC.

BY THE WAY: Given responsibility of Saamna at 29, Uddhav would leave at night only after seeing a dummy of the next day’s edition.

Rank: 30 | Ratan Tata (77) | Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons

2014: Rank 65

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WHY

Two years after he stepped down as chairman, he continues to be a respected name within the group and outside. Is chairman of trusts which together hold 66 per cent stake in the group.

POWER PUNCH

Still active in the corporate world, he has invested personal savings in e-commerce firms such as Snapdeal, Urban Ladder and Bluestone.

WHAT NEXT

Expected to invest more in e-commerce. Remains interested in Tata Motors and JLR projects.

BY THE WAY: Started his career at the age of 24 in Tata Steel, shovelling limestone, handling the blast furnace.


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Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu
By: Express News Service | Updated: March 1, 2015 3:18 pm
Rank 31 | Suresh Prabhu (61) | Minister of Railways

NEW ON THE LIST

WHY

Determined to get him into the ministry, the PM got over the hitch of Prabhu being in the Shiv Sena by making him quit the party and getting him a Rajya Sabha berth.

POWER PUNCH

Bit the reform bullet on Rail Budget and announced no fare cuts.

WHAT NEXT

Prabhu has declared that he will need at least three years to bring the Railways back on track. His challenge will be to raise funds for the ambitious “transformation” of Railways.

BY THE WAY: Doesn’t like file work of any kind. As a result, file movement has been crawling in the ministry.

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Rank 32 | Arvind Panagariya (62) | NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

One of the most vocal supporters of the ‘Gujarat growth model’, the free-market economist has been tasked with heading the body that has replaced the Planning Commission.

POWER PUNCH

Is considered the brain behind the recent Rajasthan labour reforms.

WHAT NEXT

He bears the burden of expectation, with Modi keen to develop the Aayog as the think-tank that will examine all government policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

BY THE WAY: He has written/edited 10 books so far and is expected to come out with another book this year.
 
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Rank 33 | Nripendra Misra (69) | Principal Secretary to Prime Minister

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

The retired IAS officer was handpicked by the PM to be his Principal Secretary. Misra has emerged as the quiet engine driving the PMO vehicle and the man Modi trusts with most Cabinet affairs.

POWER PUNCH

To facilitate his appointment, the NDA government —within hours of taking over — issued an ordinance allowing TRAI members to take up a post-retirement government job.

WHAT NEXT

Will he help change public perception of government policy?

BY THE WAY: He no longer does relaxed yoga on Sunday due to a 7-day work schedule.

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Rank 34 | M Venkaiah Naidu (65) | Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Parliamentary Affairs

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

As the Modi government’s pointman in both Houses of Parliament, his is the most important job as the government seeks to get its crucial legislation passed.

POWER PUNCH

Voiced his opposition to the idea of issuing so many ordinances during internal meetings.

WHAT NEXT

In the ongoing Budget session, he would need all the skills at his command to navigate the government through it.

BY THE WAY: Confesses he almost didn’t join RSS because he was told it was a vegetarian organisation.

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Rank 35 | Nitin Gadkari (57) | Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping

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NEW ON THE LIST

WHY

Has provided a boost to the stagnating roads sector, ironing out procedures to obtain clearances. Has also expedited dispute settlement procedures, and is making efforts to revive PPP-based projects.

POWER PUNCH

After the Maharashtra elections, 39 of 44 Vidarbha MLAs flew down to ask Gadkari to take over as CM.

WHAT NEXT

Gadkari has declared that Roads Ministry will construct 30 km a day by the end of 2016, from 3-5 km a day when he took over.

BY THE WAY: He has a weak spot for samosas. ________________________________________________________________________________

Rank 36 | Arvind Subramanian (55) | Chief Economic Adviser

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

He has the ears of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and is the strongest advocate of high spend to push growth.

POWER PUNCH

His suggestion seeking public spending in physical infrastructure found favour with Jaitley.

WHAT NEXT

He will have to come up with policies to sustain growth.

BY THE WAY: Calls reading his only hobby, reads about 200 books a year.



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Rank 37 | Ramdev (49) | Yoga guru

2014: Rank 69

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WHY

The yoga guru with the twitching abs made the right political choice in backing Modi in LS polls. His empire is now worth Rs 2,000 crore.

POWER PUNCH

Turned down the Padma Vibhushan, calling himself a “sanyasi”.

WHAT NEXT

With black money his pet issue, he may have to speak up as the government drags its feet on the matter.

BY THE WAY: He is very close to his mother, who lives with him.

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Rank 38 | Justice T S Thakur (63) | Next in line to be Chief Justice

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Of late, has been the most prominent voice in judiciary. Recently said judiciary expected to act if “there is deficit in governance…”.

POWER PUNCH

His order on N Srinivasan will change the way cricket has been administered in India.

WHAT NEXT

Will take over as CJI at a time of changes in process to select judges.

BY THE WAY: An HC judge, his father had quit to join J&K ministry.

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Rank 39 | J Jayalalithaa (66) | AIADMK chief

2014: Rank 6

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WHY

She is out as CM over a corruption case conviction, but few doubt who wields power in the state.

POWER PUNCH

Her Cabinet wept and a spate of suicides followed her imprisonment.

WHAT NEXT

She will hope to be cleared in the disproportionate assets case to be able to contest the 2016 polls.

BY THE WAY: She reunited with MGR at a dance drama performance in 1981. Politics, and power, followed.

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Rank 40 | Mulayam Singh Yadav (75) | Samajwadi Party President

2014: Rank 22

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WHY

Controls UP government, is perhaps only real opponent to BJP in state.

POWER PUNCH

Named leader of ‘Janata Parivar’.

WHAT NEXT

Bihar polls, a test for the ‘Parivar’.

BY THE WAY: As a wrestler, was known for his ‘charkha daon’.
 
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
By: Express News Service | Published on:February 28, 2015 5:23 pm
Rank 41 | Chandrababu Naidu (64) | Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

NEW ON THE LIST

WHY

He tied up with the BJP ahead of the 2014 Assembly elections to return to power as the first chief minister of a truncated Andhra Pradesh, winning 102 of 175 seats.

POWER PUNCH
Convinced farmers to part with their land for new capital through coercion and compensation.

WHAT NEXT

Naidu is starting from scratch in the new state with limited resources, but this is also his chance to leave a mark.

BY THE WAY: After his MA in 1974, Naidu enrolled for a PhD but instead joined politics.

Rank 42 | Raman Singh (62) | Chhattisgarh Chief Minister

2014: Rank 37

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WHY

The Raman Singh government has of late taken a series of hits — sterilisation deaths and loss in civic polls. But if that didn’t affect him politically, it is because he has the full support of the bureaucracy.

POWER PUNCH

When the PM directed all states to discontinue bonus on paddy procurement, he was the only CM to hold out.

WHAT NEXT

Will have to tighten his hold on the administration.

BY THE WAY: He was called “Shanichar doctor” because, as an ayurvedic doctor, he used to treat his patients for free every Saturday.

Rank 43 | Anand Mahindra (59) | Chairman & MD, Mahindra & Mahindra

2014: Rank 41

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WHY

His M&M is the “god of big things” (largest producer of utility vehicles and tractors) and many things (software, vacation services, defence and financial services).

POWER PUNCH

Took over Peugeot Motorcycles for 54 million euros last year.

WHAT NEXT

The group is expected to launch a new range of utility vehicles, electric cars and aircraft this year.

BY THE WAY: Narendra Modi rode to his May 2014 swearing-in ceremony in a grey Mahindra Scorpio. An ecstatic Mahindra was the first to tweet about it.

Rank 44 | Fali S Nariman (86) | Eminent lawyer

2014: Rank 45

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WHY

He is the conscience keeper of the legal fraternity, often consulted by judges and lawyers on constitutional matters.

POWER PUNCH

As he successfully bailed out Sunil Mittal in a 2G case, Nariman convinced the court to lay down a legal principle that top management of a company cannot be held liable if the company was being prosecuted.

WHAT NEXT

Will lead from the front with a clutch of petitions challenging the validity of the NJAC.

BY THE WAY: He turns down cases if he is not convinced about a client’s bona fides.

Rank 45 | Sukhbir Singh Badal (52) | Punjab Deputy Chief Minister

2014: Rank 67

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WHY

President of the Akali Dal, he is the super CM of Punjab.

POWER PUNCH

Got two Congress MLAs to resign and recontest as Akali candidates. Their win ensured that the Akalis now have a majority in the House without the BJP.

WHAT NEXT

Badal will have to work on his party’s uneasy alliance with the BJP to keep a resurgent AAP away from Punjab.

BY THE WAY: Every weekend, he is in the Capital to spend time with his kids. He reserves Sunday for them, and for washing his hair.

Rank 46 | Priyanka Vadra (43) | Daughter of Sonia Gandhi

2014: Rank 24

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WHY

After the Lok Sabha election defeat, Congress sources say her involvement in her mother’s and brother’s constituencies, Rae Bareli and Amethi, has increased though she continues to remain behind the scenes.

POWER PUNCH

“Priyanka lao, Congress bachao” is a constant refrain after every drubbing the party gets.

WHAT NEXT

The guessing game continues. Will she take the political plunge? Congressmen, as always, remain hopeful.

BY THE WAY: She is fond of dogs and has two Golden Retrievers.

Rank 47 | Sharad Pawar (74) | President, NCP

2014: Rank 12

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WHY

NCP continues to retain political significance, largely because of the rapport Pawar shares with leaders across party lines. In an important signal to the BJP, he has kept doors open to both the Modi government at the Centre and the Fadnavis government in Maharashtra.

POWER PUNCH

Got Modi to attend a family function in Baramati. Modi said he seeks “guidance” from Pawar.

WHAT NEXT

After the national and state routs, he has to consolidate the NCP.

BY THE WAY: He worked as a cub reporter for Marathi newspaper Sakal, which his brother later bought.

Rank 48 | Soli Sorabjee (84) | Eminent lawyer

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

The former Attorney General of India is one of the most celebrated lawyers representing some of the biggest companies and names.

POWER PUNCH

After the outrage over the Solicitor General of India representing the SIT in the black money case, Sorabjee silenced all when he showed up to represent the SIT.

WHAT NEXT

His opposition to Section 66A of the IT Act will play a key role when the SC comes out with its ruling.

BY THE WAY: He’s opposed to lawyers charging high fees and believes law is not a profession to make quick fortunes.
 
Rank 49 | Naveen Patnaik (46) | Orissa Chief Minister

2014: Rank 20

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WHY

Last year, he became one of the few politicians in India to notch a fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister, leading BJD to a landslide win in LS and Assembly polls.

POWER PUNCH

In December last year, he cancelled around 6,000 allotments of houses and plots to judges, bureaucrats, politicians and journalists made in the last 20 years.

WHAT NEXT

He remains on tenterhooks as the chit fund scam and the CBI probe into the coal block allotment to Hindalco knock at his doorstep.

BY THE WAY: Once owned boutique Psychedelhi in a Delhi hotel.

Rank 50 | Siddaramaiah (66) | Karnataka Chief Minister

2014: Rank 31

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WHY

As one of the last standing Congress chief ministers in the country, the onus of redeeming the grand old party through good governance rests on Siddaramaiah.

POWER PUNCH

Despite reservations in many quarters, he is going in for a caste census, whereby households, including non-Hindus, can pick the caste they want to be listed under.

WHAT NEXT

Given a weakened national leadership, the OBC leader will have a free hand in shaping both his own fortunes and that of the party.

BY THE WAY: He was a criminal lawyer before he joined politics.



By: Express News Service | Updated: February 28, 2015 5:23 pm
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Rank: 51 | Rajat Sharma (57) | India TV Chairman, Editor-in-Chief

NEW ON THE LIST



WHY

Arguably India’s most powerful editor and the most networked. He had some of India’s most powerful in attendance at the 21st anniversary celebration of his Aap ki Adalat show in December 2014.

POWER PUNCH

His India TV was the first national channel to land an hour-long interview with Narendra Modi, then BJP’s PM candidate.

WHAT NEXT

In a TRP-fuelled race for eyeballs, India TV will have to work hard to get ahead of the leading players.

BY THE WAY: He was an ABVP activist and studied at Shri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi.



Rank: 52 | N Srinivasan, 70 | ICC chairman

2014: Rank 30

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WHY

Despite everything seemingly going wrong for him — the IPL probe and the SC rap for conflict of interest — he continues to be Indian cricket’s most powerful man with the backing of most state associations.

POWER PUNCH

In January, days after the SC ordered he cannot run for BCCI president, Srinivasan presided over the board’s working committee meeting.

WHAT NEXT

With the SC asking him to choose between CSK and BCCI, he will have to find ways to get around the ‘conflict of interest’ hurdle.

BY THE WAY: He is an avid fan of golf legend Jack Nicklaus.



Rank: 53 | Gen Dalbir Singh (60) | Chief of the Army Staff

2014: Rank 71

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WHY

As Army chief at a time of frequent firing and misadventures along India’s borders with Pakistan and China, he has to sound tough, yet not alarmist.

POWER PUNCH

On Day 1 of assuming his duties, Singh had warned Pakistan that India’s response to any provocation would be “more than adequate, intense and immediate.”

WHAT NEXT

With “active borders”, Singh will have to respond tactfully.

BY THE WAY: A few months ago, while addressing soldiers of 18 Cavalry, Singh touched the feet of his father, a JCO from the same unit.



Rank: 54 | Asaduddin Owaisi, 45 | MIM president

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Emboldened by its good showing in the Telangana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Hyderabad-based party is positioning itself as the counter to the BJP’s pro-Hindu agenda, openly advocating Muslim identity politics.

POWER PUNCH

The two seats it won in Maharashtra, its first outside Andhra Pradesh, pitchforked it into the league of parties to watch out for.

WHAT NEXT

Owaisi has openly talked about making a foray into UP and Bengal.

BY THE WAY: In Hyderabad, he sometimes rides his motorcycle to the party office.



Rank: 55 | Lalu Prasad (67) | RJD chief

2014: Rank 36

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WHY

Because despite being considerably weakened after a string of electoral reverses, any anti-BJP coalition in the state has to depend on him.

POWER PUNCH

RJD got 18-20 per cent votes in the 2010 Assembly polls and 2014 Lok Sabha elections, signalling that Lalu’s Muslim-Yadav support base remains mostly intact.

WHAT NEXT

Will remain a key figure in any behind-the-scenes negotiation leading up to 2015 polls.

BY THE WAY: He loves cooking, especially fish, but surprised many when he gave up non-veg food.

Rank: 56 | Kumar Mangalam Birla (47) | Chairman, Aditya Birla Group

2014: Rank 56

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WHY

Birla’s companies cut across sectors such as chemicals, mining, retail, telecom and financial services. The Aditya Birla Group-led Idea Cellular is the third largest telecom company in the country.

POWER PUNCH

When the RBI rejected an earlier application for a banking licence, the Group applied to the RBI for a payments bank licence in partnership with Idea Cellular.

WHAT NEXT

He will hope to clear his name of allegations in the coal block scam.

BY THE WAY: He likes shooting and reading management books.
 
Rank: 57 | Anil Ambani (55) | Chairman of Reliance ADA Group

2014: Rank 38

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WHY

Despite a sharp drop in the market capitalisation of his group companies, he inked a few big deals last year, like the sale of his Big Cinemas.

POWER PUNCH

In December 2014, group firm Reliance Capital tied up with Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank to collaborate on various businesses.

WHAT NEXT

The ADAG group faces the uphill task of having to pare its debt of around Rs 1 lakh crore.

BY THE WAY: His nutritionist is Rujuta Diwekar, known for helping Kareena Kapoor attain size zero.



Rank: 58 | Uday Shankar (52) | Star India CEO

2014: Rank 87

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WHY

As the man who heads the largest broadcast network of 34 channels, Shankar has emerged as the undisputed leader that the entire industry looks up to for direction.

POWER PUNCH

He scooped all big-ticket cricket events available in the market, investing close to $4.5 billion in the sport.

WHAT NEXT

Shankar has chosen sports as the vehicle for his company’s growth.

BY THE WAY: He began his career as a political correspondent with The Times of India in Bihar.





Rank: 59 | Prashant Bhushan (58) | Activist-lawyer, AAP co-founder

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Bhushan has been spearheading the fight against corruption.

POWER PUNCH

The visitors’ logbook of then CBI chief Ranjit Sinha that he handed to the court led to Sinha being dropped from the 2G probe.

WHAT NEXT

It will be interesting to see whether or not, and how, the AAP government in Delhi utilises Bhushan’s acumen.

BY THE WAY: Collects antiques and 19th-century paintings.





Rank: 60 | Samir Jain (59) | Vineet Jain (47) | Vice Chairman/MD, BCCL

2014: Rank 51



WHY

BCCL continues to be the largest and most diversified media conglomerate in the country.

POWER PUNCH

In 2014, BCCL saw new launches in partnership with leading global digital brands such as Huffington Post.

WHAT NEXT

Digital and regional markets remain the two big goals.

BY THE WAY: Vineet Jain joined BCCL’s marketing dept in 1986.


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BSP President Mayawati
By: Express News Service | Updated: March 1, 2015 11:06 am
Rank 61 | Mayawati (59) | BSP president

2014: Rank 8

WHY

She retains Dalit support, making her a big hurdle in BJP’s path in UP.

POWER PUNCH

In January, BSP won 3 MLC seats though it had numbers for 2.

WHAT NEXT

She can’t afford another poll loss.

BY THE WAY: She is a fan of TV news, but suspicious of print.

Rank 62 | Rahul Bhatia (53) | Group Managing Director, InterGlobe Enterprises

2014: Rank 44

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WHY

Has managed to keep his firm’s flagship airline IndiGo profitable since 2009, in a bleeding industry. IndiGo is now the country’s largest airline.

POWER PUNCH

In the single largest order for Airbus, IndiGo signed up to buy 250 planes.

WHAT NEXT

Competition is heating up, with Air Asia India, Vistara coming in

BY THE WAY: Fond of Italian food, he is a regular at Tonino in Delhi.

Rank 63 | J P Nadda (54) | Health and Family Welfare Minister

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Is seen as part of BJP’s most powerful troika along with Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. He is also trusted by the RSS. Played a key role in BJP’s recent poll preparations.

POWER PUNCH

Was seen as contender for post of BJP chief before Shah’s appointment.

WHAT NEXT

Providing affordable and quality healthcare is his biggest challenge.

BY THE WAY: Registered with Bar Council, but never practised law.

Rank 64 | Sushil Modi (63) | Bihar BJP leader

2014: Rank 79

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WHY

The former deputy CM is the most well-known BJP face in the state. Like Nitish, he is methodical and always well prepared with facts.

POWER PUNCH

Post NDA split, he has taken former friend Nitish head on. Was able to rile him over the medicine scam.

WHAT NEXT

Will play an important role in BJP’s Bihar campaign.

BY THE WAY: At 35, he had started a computer centre in Patna.
 
Rank 65 | M Lakshman Rao alias Ganapathy (65) | CPI (Maoist) general secretary

2014: Rank 83

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WHY

As commander of Maoists, poses arguably the single biggest challenge to the authority of the State.

POWER PUNCH

In Dec 2014, his cadres killed 14 in the biggest single-day casualty inflicted on CRPF since the April 2010 Dantewada massacre.

WHAT NEXT

Is looking to expand south.

BY THE WAY: A diabetic, he keeps 16-hours-a-day work schedule.



Rank 66 | Amarinder Singh (72) | Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

He defeated Arun Jaitley. Besides, his absence from Lok Sabha still sets Congress buzzing.

POWER PUNCH

Got 35 of 45 party MLAs to his lunch.

WHAT NEXT

Wants to be made party state chief.

BY THE WAY: Often calls Rahul Gandhi, who backs his rival, “that boy”.

Rank 67 | Sunil Mittal (57) | Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises

2014: Rank 93

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WHY

His Airtel is the fourth largest telco in the world, has the largest 3G network in India, and has reported huge growth in profits. Mittal himself has been ranked 10th richest Indian by Forbes.

POWER PUNCH

Objected to businessmen accompanying the PM on foreign visits being given a badge saying “coinciding with visit of Prime Minister”.

WHAT NEXT

Airtel is poised to enter the banking space. It also has its eyes set on the 3G spectrum auctions in March.

BY THE WAY: The licence plate numbers of most of his cars end in ‘23’.

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Rank 68 | Sanjay Gupta (46) | CEO, Jagran Prakashan, and Editor, Dainik Jagran and M M Gupta (73) | CMD, Jagran Prakashan

2014: Rank 52

WHY

Dainik Jagran continues to be the largest read daily in the country with more than 16 million readers.

POWER PUNCH

The group publishes 12 titles with over 100 editions and 250-plus sub-editions.

WHAT NEXT

The Guptas are diversifying into radio, digital and marketing, including buying Radio City.

BY THE WAY: M M Gupta started in the accounting department of the company when he was just 14.

Rank 69 | Virat Kohli (26) | India Test captain

2014: Rank 64

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WHY

It’s just a matter of time before the new Test captain heads the team in all formats of the game.

POWER PUNCH

After a string of poor scores in England last summer, Kohli came good at the right time for the Australia series. Played a starring role in India’s kick-off match, against Pakistan, at the World Cup.

WHAT NEXT

India’s World Cup performance depends a lot on him. As captain, has to better India’s overseas Test record.

BY THE WAY: Kohli was at 40 during a Ranji match in 2006 when his father passed away at 3 am. The next day, he returned to finish on 90.

Rank 70 | Aamir Khan (49) | Actor, filmmaker, TV show host

2014: Rank 55

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WHY

Is Bollywood’s first superstar activist, taking up causes through Satyamev Jayate and otherwise. His PK ran afoul of Hindu groups but got the box-office ringing.

POWER PUNCH

Took on “friends” Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor for being part of AIB Roast, saying, “I am not a 14-year-old who will laugh at abuses.” Such candid voices are rare in Bollywood.

WHAT NEXT

Takes up the role of former wrestler Mahavir Phogat, father and coach of wrestling stars Geeta and Babita Kumari, in Dangal.

BY THE WAY: Can solve Rubik’s Cube in less than 30 seconds.


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ICICI Bank Chairman KV Kamath
By: Express News Service | Updated: March 1, 2015 11:53 am
Rank 71 | K V Kamath (67) | Non-executive chairman of ICICI Bank, Infosys

2014: Rank 96

WHY

Well before he took over as non-executive chairman of Infosys, Kamath was part of the transition exercise that led to Infy getting its first external CEO Vishal Sikka.

POWER PUNCH

Heads the committee on developing financial architecture for MSMEs. Has also been roped in by HRD Ministry to develop a model architectural plan for new IITs, IIMs.

WHAT NEXT

Formulating norms to decide land needed for educational institutions.

BY THE WAY: Infy board chaired by him gave 250,000 pounds for Gandhi statue being built in the UK.

Rank 72 | N R Narayana Murthy (68) | Chairman Emeritus, Infosys

2014: Rank 50

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WHY

Though Murthy hung up his Infosys boots in 2014, he is the ‘senior statesman’ of corporate India, whose opinion is much valued.

POWER PUNCH

With the company losing ground, bringing in outsider Vishal Sikka as CEO silenced critics.

WHAT NEXT

His Catamaran Ventures backs next-gen entrepreneurs. With investments in sectors such as microfinance, education and e-commerce, Murthy continues to exert influence.

BY THE WAY: Was Chief Systems Programmer at IIM-Ahmedabad’s computer centre for two years.
 
Rank 73 | Deepak Parekh (70) | HDFC Chairman

2014: Rank 34

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WHY

Considered the doyen of India’s financial sector, he is a source of guidance and advice for top corporates, bankers, regulators as well as the government. HDFC Group has been scaling new heights under him year after year.

POWER PUNCH

Recently said that “there is a little bit of impatience creeping in as to why no changes are happening” under the Modi government.

WHAT NEXT

The big question in the market is: Will HDFC, HDFC Bank merge? He has indicated this could happen.

BY THE WAY: Parekh loves playing bridge and is a cricket buff.

Rank 74 | Karan Johar (42) | Producer-director

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Continues to earn fans and power as a producer, as chat show host and as a brand, with great rapport across cliques in Bollywood. His Dharma Productions gave three moderate-budget surprise hits last year.

POWER PUNCH

Johar continues to surprise with his wicked humour. Was part of the AIB Roast that took on several holy cows, including in Bollywood.

WHAT NEXT

Johar makes his acting debut in Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet. He is also all set to direct a Ranbir, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma starrer.

BY THE WAY: Speaks fluent French.

Rank 75 | Azim H Premji (69) | Wipro Chairman

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

Has expanded Wipro’s footprint. The company’s consolidated revenues were up to Rs 12,085 crore in the October-December quarter.

POWER PUNCH

Donated Rs 12,316 crore between April 2013 and October 2014. Shanghai-based Hurun Research Institute put him at the top of a list of philanthropists in India.

WHAT NEXT

Wipro is keen to expand in Andhra Pradesh and is planning to invest Rs 500 crore to develop an information technology SEZ.

BY THE WAY: The tech tycoon loves watching movies and also enjoys trekking.

Rank 76 | Parkash Singh Badal (87) | Punjab Chief Minster

NEW ON THE LIST

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WHY

This is his fifth term and second in a row as Punjab CM, making him the tallest political leader in the state.

POWER PUNCH

He led the Akali Dal-BJP coalition to a second consecutive term in power when few expected it.The BJP knows Badal Sr’s value: the Centre recently gave him Padma Vibhushan.

WHAT NEXT

Ahead of the 2017 polls, he has moved away from a religious-political agenda and is resting his chances on the plank of development.

BY THE WAY: Of the serving CMs, he is the only one to have spent 16 years in prison for leading protests.

Rank 77 | Piyush Goyal (50) | Minister of State for Coal & Power, Independent Charge

2014: Rank 94

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WHY

As the public face of the BJP, Goyal stoutly defended the policies and programmes of the party during the last Lok Sabha elections. He headed the BJP’s information communication campaign committee during the 2014 general elections.

POWER PUNCH

Goyal is considered architect of the coal ordinance and paved the way for auctioning of 204 coal blocks.

WHAT NEXT

Goyal is hoping for waiving off of custom duty on coal.

BY THE WAY: A chartered accountant, he began as an investment banker.

Rank 78 | Jyotiraditya Scindia (44) | Congress Chief Whip in Lok Sabha

2014: Rank 95

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WHY

He has emerged as one of the credible and articulate opposition voices in the House where the BJP is in a huge majority. Congress hopes in Madhya Pradesh also rest on his shoulders.

POWER PUNCH

The BJP may be in power at the Centre and in MP, but Scindia continues to control the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association.

WHAT NEXT

With the government planning to bring in crucial Bills in the Lok Sabha this session, all eyes are on him.

BY THE WAY: Goes to the gym every day.

Rank 79 | Sachin Pilot (37) | Rajasthan Congress President

2014: Rank 66

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WHY

A Rahul Gandhi appointee, Pilot has been slowly and steadily scripting a Congress revival of sorts in Rajasthan, where the party was decimated in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

POWER PUNCH

Led the Congress to a 3-1 win over BJP in the Assembly by-elections held after Lok Sabha whitewash. The party also made impressive gains in recent local body polls.

WHAT NEXT

Has a long road ahead as Assembly polls are some distance away.

BY THE WAY: Fond of chocolates and junk food, but tries to balance that by jogging a few times a week.

Rank 80 | K Chandrasekhar Rao (61) | Telangana Chief Minister

2014: Rank 47

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WHY

As the first Telangana CM, holds absolute power in state. Has also managed to win over at least five TDP MLAs, including Talasani Srinivas Yadav, who has been made minister.

POWER PUNCH

Refused to align with the Congress for the Lok Sabha elections, dashing the latter’s hope of benefiting from the formation of the state.

WHAT NEXT

Will hope to wrest control of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation from the AIMIM and the Congress.

BY THE WAY: A loving grandfather, he loves shopping for his grandchildren.
 
NSA Doval should have been ranked much higher - In certain issues he enjoys a higher status than some of the very prominent members of the Modi cabinet - Modi's right hand man indeed - Not Rajnath or Jaitley, NSA Ajit Doval is Modi's right hand man: Here's why

I agree...so should Manohar Parikar...and Pappu should way down in the list. He is irrelevant to Indian politics as of now. BTW wasn't it suppose to be the 15 most powerful and not 150 most powerful Indian in India???
 
I don't know about the others... but the top one is i.e. Shri Narendra Modi is the correct choice and I do hope he remains there for a lot of coming years... maybe decades :P
 

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