Kaun banega finance minister: Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman in the fray
TNN | Updated: May 31, 2019, 10:54 ISTHighlights
- Shah was a stock trader and also tried his hand at the family business before making a full-time plunge into politics
- In contrast, Sitharaman, a former JNU alumna, has worked with a consulting firm in London before joining politics
Nirmala Sitharaman (left) and Amit ShahNEW DELHI: It’s a toss-up between Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman for the finance minister’s job — the most keenly watched Cabinet berth. After days of speculation in the corridors of power in the capital and stock & money markets in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may finally provide an answer by the time markets begin trading on Friday.
For Modi, it’s a choice between Sitharaman’s familiarity with the finance and commerce & industry ministries, and Shah’s wide experience and his ability to grasp things quickly. Besides, the BJP president is seen to be someone who can strike the right balance between the demands of politics and economics. Shah was a stock trader and also tried his hand at the family business before making a full-time plunge into politics. In contrast, Sitharaman, a former JNU alumna, has worked with a consulting firm in London before joining politics.
Civil servants across ministries have been talking about a change of guard in the finance ministry since elections results were announced on May 23 amid reports that Arun Jaitley may not be keen to return to the office. On Wednesday, the BJP leader opted out, citing health reasons.
Jaitley’s exit had triggered feverish speculation about the new FM with various names doing the rounds.
Home or finance for Amit Shah? MEA likely for ex-foreign secy
Modi’s team has a new look and the message of change will be amplified if Amit Shah takes over as home minister, a very strong possibility according to sources who mentioned — finance ministry — as another possible assignment for the BJP president. Rajnath Singh could move to defence to replace Nirmala Sitharaman who, in case Shah gets home ministry, may shift to finance.
For Modi, it’s a choice between Sitharaman’s familiarity with the finance and commerce & industry ministries, and Shah’s wide experience and his ability to grasp things quickly. Besides, the BJP president is seen to be someone who can strike the right balance between the demands of politics and economics. Shah was a stock trader and also tried his hand at the family business before making a full-time plunge into politics. In contrast, Sitharaman, a former JNU alumna, has worked with a consulting firm in London before joining politics.
What new ministers need to do
On Thursday, as many as 57 ministers took oath. Out of these, 25 are cabinet ministers, nine are ministers of state (independent charge) and 24 are ministers of state (MoS).
Civil servants across ministries have been talking about a change of guard in the finance ministry since elections results were announced on May 23 amid reports that Arun Jaitley may not be keen to return to the office. On Wednesday, the BJP leader opted out, citing health reasons.
Jaitley’s exit had triggered feverish speculation about the new FM with various names doing the rounds.
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