But contrary to this surmise, a senior PMO official told Outlook that Advani's elevation as deputy PM has been influenced more by political motives rather than the considerations of better work management. The anticipation that the deputy PM will be asked to deal with the weighty responsibilities of the prime minister has not been borne out. It is true that Vajpayee asked Advani to reply to the adjournment motion on Kashmir in Parliament but he has not been given any key areas currently handled by the PMO. In fact, three insignificant transfers of departments to the newly-created office is what the deputy PM has for now. In...

THIS ARTICLE IS PRICELESS...
To read this piece, and more such stories in India's most exciting and exacting magazine, plus get access to our 25-year archives goldmine, please subscribe.