AYE OF THE STORM

VAyalar Ravi
Although language was a big barrier for the Parliamentary Affairs Minister in interacting with Hindi heartland politicians, he made up for it by his zeal. Many MPs, including those from the Shiv Sena and the Akali Dal, had got in touch with him and he had forwarded them to the concerned leader. He was also constantly in touch with UPA MPs to ensure their presence in the capital before the commencement of the short session. As for floor management, Ravi had to use all his parliamentary experience and skill on July 22 to keep the debate on until one of the MPs, who was on way to Delhi, arrived in the House just before voting took place.

Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi
The Minister for Information & Broadcasting, who was undergoing angioplasty in a Kolkata hospital when the entire political drama was unfolding in Delhi, was flown to Delhi by a special aircraft a few days before the vote. The former Parliamentary Affairs Minister, who had shown great political networking skills during the presidential and vice-presidential elections last year, did give his inputs but he was also constrained by the fact that he was yet to recover fully.

Lalu Yadav & Sharad Pawar
The Railways Minister had played an important role in bringing the Congress and the Samajwadi Party closer. In the run up to the trust vote, he was working on JMM chief Shibu Soren and NLP MP Baleshwar Yadav. But as the ruling combine got wind of the Opposition’s attempt to “poach” RJD MPs, the Congress leadership requested Lalu to focus on keeping his own flock together. Sharad Pawar’s prize catch was JD(U) MP from Lakshadweep PP Koya who voted for the UPA Government. Pawar was also able to enlist the support of Naga People’s Front MP from Nagaland WW Konyak.

Pranab Mukherjee
Having failed to get the Left on board to Vienna, the External Affairs Minister was soon into crisis management for the Government. As head of the seven-member committee appointed by Sonia, Mukherjee held a meeting of the panel every evening at his residence to take stock of the progress. UPA partners would also be present in these meetings. On some occasions, SP leaders were also involved in this process.

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