What we will miss about Pranab Mukherjee

Pranab Mukherjee has played many roles in the last four decades but perhaps few have been as prominent as the one he has been playing in the present UPA government.

The final voice on the government’s plans, the Congress’ chief negotiator with other political parties, the Finance Minister who was trying to sort out the economic woes of the country and the veteran Congressman ensuring the party continued functioning smoothly.

As he prepares to depart from the Finance Ministry and participate (and maybe win) in the presidential election, we look back at some of our favourite moments involving the Finance Minister.

From being a political leader berating parliamentarians for acting like “petulant children”, telling expectant journalists that he “knows” of the rupee hitting a new low and speaking about Rahul Gandhi in his inimitable style, Pranab Mukherjee now prepares for a journey to the more staid office of the President of India.

While we may get glimpses of the Pranab Mukherjee of old even if he does make it to Rashtrapati Bhavan, lets hope that there are more such memorable reactions in store for us from the veteran politician.