That has not exactly endeared him to powerful sections in the Party. Like the whisper campaign in November 1984, there are many today who complain that Mukherjee is a little too powerful and was eyeing the Deputy PM slot. Those rumours hit home, leading to Sonia Gandhi’s “categorical” declaration in Nainital last month that there would be no deputy PM. And now, Mukherjee despite his known reluctance for the job, has been made foreign minister.

Is it an elevation or demotion? At one level, there is no reason to see it as a demotion since the prime minister clearly wants the best man he can get to run the country’s foreign policy. But if it leads to lessening his role in the making of government policy, party strategy and parliamentary tactics, it could mean that that the anti-Pranab lobby has gained ground. That, however, is unlikely. Both Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi have a healthy respect for experience and talent and few can match Mukherjee in that department in the party.

And with all his zigzags, Mukherjee too knows that talent and experience do not guarantee the top job anywhere. Other factors often count for more. B.K. Nehru titled his biography Nice Guys Finish Second. When he finally retires, Mukherjee could probably write a sequel and call it And Bright Guys, Third.