FEATURE, INDIA

LIST OF THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN INDIA – PM NARENDRA MODI TOPS THE LIST WHILE YOGI ADITYANATH ENTERS THE LIST OF TOP 10 POSITIONS

The list of top 50 most powerful Indians published by the Indian Express Groups claims that the first three positions of 2016 has been retained by the earlier toppers — Prime Minister Narendra Modi at No. 1, BJP president Amit Shah on No. 2 and RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on the third position — but with a difference. Take a look at The Indian Express power list of 2016-17 not just to see who are the most powerful 100 in this country of a billion plus. Look at it, also, to get a sense of how, over the past year, power has changed hands — and how power itself has changed.

Rajesh Ghadge

Published: 29, Mar 2017

RANK 2 – Amit Shah, 52

BJP President | (Rank 2016: 3)

THE REASON

He pushes the RSS chief down one rank because he has established himself as the BJP’s trump card. Despite the criticism over his style of functioning, Shah has proved he is the most effective strategist, whether in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra or Manipur. He not only led the party to historic victories in UP and Uttarakhand by stitching together a new social coalition, but also choreographed the BJP takeover of Goa and Manipur.

THE WORK

Shah stuck to his handpicked candidates for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including some who joined the party on the eve of the release of the list.

THE FUTURE

Elections in Gujarat later this year. He realises the party’s performance here is tied to his prestige as well as that of the PM.

NOTE: He has been on a strict weight-loss programme and has already lost over 15 kg.

COMING UP THE NEXT ON RANK 3 MOHAN BHAGWAT