Raw Truth

Because He is the Government's top security boss. Because from handling internal security to external intelligence and now foreign affairs, he is the Government's singular sounding board. Because he is the presiding deity of the IB and raw and is always at hand for an independent opinion.

Big surprise: When the prime minister called him up and asked him to join the PMO, 13 years into his retirement from IB.

Fitness facts: Keeps his sanity by praying for 40 minutes each morning and night. Visits Sabarimala once a year.

The Faithful

Because India's most powerful politicians listen to him. Because even though he is political secretary to the Congress President, he does not need an office address at 10, Janpath to prove it.

Because his is the last official appointment at 10, Janpath every day. Because from Ahmed-bhai, he is now simply The Bhai.

Is obsessive about: His privacy. Changes his cell phone number every three months. Even changes the mosques he prays in.

Style statement: Wears a Titan watch, sober khadi kurtas, drives a grey Esteem.

Favourite line: I am not powerful but powerless.

The Messenger

Because He is the hotline between 10, Janpath and South Block. Because he is additional secretary in the twin towers of the Government, the PMO and the National Advisory Council. Because he has more power than both the Cabinet secretary and the principal secretary to the pm.

Because he has worked in the PMO during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure and was private secretary to Sonia Gandhi.

Favourite accessories: A pipe and a Nikon SLR camera.

Listens to: Indian and Western classical music while he is working.

Political Clout

Because With three important ministries in the Government-railways, rural development and company affairs-his influence extends from corporate board rooms to the rural heartland to critical infrastructure. Because with just 24 MPs, he has made the UPA Government depend on him for survival. Because he has turned the once no-hope Indian Railways into a Rs 11,000-crore cash-rich organisation.

Favourite line: You don't have to be from Harvard to be a reformer. Bihar will do nicely, thank you.

Prized possession: His 200 cows and buffaloes.

Little-known fact: His toes were crushed by a buffalo when he was a child.

Old Fox

Because He is the man Manmohan Singh turns to in every Cabinet meeting for political advice. Because he is the preferred crisis manager of Sonia Gandhi. Because he heads most of the GOM's set up to extricate policy from political quicksand. Because with over 20 years as minister, he knows how to make the system work. Or not.

Twist of fate: As a finance minister from 1976 to 1980, he had appointed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the RBI governor.

Last-known vacation: Was 20 years ago.

Power statement: He has chaired 24 groups of ministers in the past 20 months.

Is known for: His ability to devour tall piles of files and distill them for the Cabinet.