THE SITHAYANA

Because she’s part of the big four club–the most powerful ministries in the country. And while her meteoric rise may have ruffled a few feathers within the BJP, her no-nonsense attitude has even the prime minister cheering for her. Her journey from party spokesperson to holding two crucial portfolios—she held the defence portfolio in Modi’s first term—in such a short span of time has put her in the league of political legends

Because she has presented the economic vision of the second term of the Modi government with her maiden budget, which her team put together in less than five weeks. Amidst great expectations, she had the tough task of maintaining fiscal prudence while also rewarding Indians for overwhelmingly voting for the Modi government. So while big business was left high and dry, small traders and businesses were given tax breaks. She now holds the purse strings of the nation and will have to withstand pressure from within her own party and from state chief ministers, who are bound to haggle for more funds

Because she has the onerous task of steering the economy at a time when it is under intense pressure domestically and globally. With falling exports, falling investments and consumption and, to top it all, an increasingly protectionist world, she has the toughest task of all among Modi’s ministers

BUSINESS SENSE

Of all her portfolios, she has enjoyed her stint as commerce minister the most