The whiz kid of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's transition from titled technocrat to multi-tiered mantri could be a case study for Ivy League business schools. The 54-year-old bureaucratturned-politician's mastery over political and administrative management has seen him retained as the 39th railway minister, 35th information and broadcasting minister since independ‐ ence, and the second minister of electronics and IT since 2016. He is a twoterm Rajya Sabha member from Odisha representing the BJP since 2019. His transformation from a bureaucrat in a suit and a tie to a politician in a white cotton pyjama and a light-coloured kurta is a saga of enviable success in contemporary politics.
Delhi durbaris found their chins hitting the floor earlier this month when Modi made him railway and IT minister once again, because, except for the last decade of BJP dominance, the post of railway minister has mostly belonged to an ally in an NDA government since 1996. But Modi knows the importance of Vaishnaw. He is playing tenor to Environment Minister Bhupinder Yadav's bass, in charge of the Maharashtra assembly election orchestra.
Vaishnaw is a paradox in popular politics since he is the only BJP Upper House MP who has been elected twice not by his party but by the munificence of Naveen Patnaik of the BJD, which it recently trounced. He has the distinction of being the first newly-distilled politician who entered the Rajya Sabha after Modi and Amit Shah spoke to Patnaik on his behalf, first in June 2019 and then in 2024.
Vaishnaw had worked in the state for less than a decade as an IAS officer, and his data collection role for the 1999 super cyclone was more than a storm in a teacup.
From 2003, he worked with Atal Bihari Vajpayee both in the PMO and after the former PM's retirement. Modi sees the ministries of railway and IT as his best engines for Destination Viksit Bharat.
This story is from the June 23, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 23, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ramayana: The Legend Of Prince Rama Re-Release To Get New Dubs
Indian anime film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is set to make its theatrical debut across India on October 18.
Don't Forget Gains Of 'Double Engine' Govt, PM Tells Pune
Pune metro project Phase-I Swargate-Katraj Extension of Pune Metro is part of Phase-1 to be developed at the cost of around 2,955 crore.
BJP Changes Tactics Before Rahul's Haryana Roadshows
IN a tactical move, the ruling BJP eyeing a third consecutive term in Haryana in the assembly elections due October 5 appears to be experimenting with making this election more localised.
Article 370 Key Poll Pitch As Campaign Ends In J&K
THE high-pitched campaigning for the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening, with major political parties engaging in fierce exchanges over Article 370, statehood and terrorism.
GLOW LIKE THE GODDESS
WE are in awe of the majestic and radiant Goddess Durga who personifies beauty! In reverence, we offer her with milk, honey, butter, ghee, and fruits.
Duleep Trophy likely to go back to zonal format
THE 2024-25 domestic season's curtain raiser, Duleep Trophy, which was played in a four-team format, is likely to go back to the original zonal format in the next season.
GREEN PARK'S GRASS LESS GREEN THAN OTHER SIDE
Play called off for the second consecutive day on Sunday due to wet outfield leaving thousands of fans frustrated
Kerala Blasters draw NEUFC
KERALA Blasters shared points with NorthEast United FC following a gripping 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League match here on Sunday.
Overseas player fee capped; Indians to earn more
FOR the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League, earnings of an overseas player have been capped.
Tottenham embarrass 10-man Man United
TOTTENHAM piled more pressure on Erik ten Hag's position as Manchester United manager with a dominant 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.
