Prithviraj Chavan, 63 MoS in PMO

Result: 7/10

Chavan, who was also given charge of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions about a year ago, had his task cut out in the PMO from the beginning—to liaise between the party and the government. He was largely a key backroom player, who had channels open with all factions and parties.

The deliveries

As a member of the UPA-Left Coordination Committee on the Indo-US nuclear deal, Chavan was actively involved in carrying forward the government’s agenda. Shortly after the trust vote last July, he visited many countries, including China and Italy, to deliver the Prime Minister’s message to them ahead of the crucial IAEA meeting.

Reforms Derailed

Chavan was a member of the UPA-Left Coordination Committee on the Indo-US nuclear deal. He was to push for necessary amendments in the Atomic Energy Act to operationalise the deal—this remains pending despite the deal going through.

Smart Byte

“Though the average rate of growth of GDP had been nine per cent over the last four years, we have lost at least one per cent because of coalition politics.”

High Point

Got Cabinet clearance for Chandrayaan II 2012 and got the government’s nod for setting up nuclear parks.

Low Point

When the BJP and the CPM joined hands to prevent the introduction of The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, which had been passed by the Lok Sabha earlier.

View from the shadow

“It is difficult to comment on his performance. I haven’t read anything in the newspapers about any of his activities or functioning.”

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