MANMOHAN’S EXIT STRATEGY

Clearing taint Though his aides claim that he cannot be implicated in the Coalgate scam, Manmohan is consulting private lawyers to work out his defence.

Global statesman His foreign trips will be aimed at cementing his reputation as a moderniser and a moderate.

Reborn reformist He will give one final push to financial bills which are close to his heart, such as the Goods and Services Tax Bill, Insurance Bill, and the Direct Taxes Code, to keep his reputation as a reformist intact.

Best Budget ever His first Budget as finance minister in 1991 got him a place in history. In 2014, as Prime Minister, it will be his last attempt to leave a mark. He may take this as an opportunity to announce a ground- breaking interim Budget, leaving it for the next government for ratification.