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 6 – Arun Jaitley, 64

Union Finance Minister | (Rank 2016: 4)

THE REASON

The effective No 2 in the Modi cabinet, Jaitley has the task of steering the economy towards higher growth amid a slowdown resulting from demonetisation. With Manohar Parrikar heading to Goa, Jaitley holds additional charge of the crucial defence ministry.

THE WORK

After a series of hectic negotiations with states and political parties, Jaitley was able to get the Constitutional amendment related to GST passed by Parliament. A crucial indirect tax reform, consensus on which once seemed impossible, GST is likely to be implemented from July 1.

THE FUTURE

Improving the country’s tax base and ensuring that people stay the course on digital transactions.

NOTE: He is on very friendly terms with Captain Amarinder Singh, the man who defeated him in the bitterly fought Amritsar Lok Sabha contest.

COMING UP THE NEXT ON RANK 7 MUKESH AMBANI