Natarjan's elevation as independent minister of environment is a big leg-up for the Tamil Nadu leader whose career had plateaued after showing promising rise under Rajiv Gandhi's Congress and became a junior minister in United Front regime after breaking away with G K Moopanar.
For the articulate leader — with politics in her blood as granddaughter of a former chief minister of Tamil Nadu — the challenge of Paryavaran Bhavan is evident. Jairam Ramesh is seen to have given the ministry a cutting edge, returning green concerns to centrestage and making enemies in the 'development lobby' both inside and outside the government. The tightrope makes her vulnerable to charges from civil society. But her glee at the much-awaited elevation showed she may just relish the task.
For insiders, it was on the cards. Her rise in Congress has been steady since she returned to the party in 2002. She was appointed spokesperson in UPA-I, and brought to the Rajya Sabha with Sonia Gandhi personally speaking to Karunanidhi for support. Read the full report here.
Source: Times News Network, New Delhi.
