The most powerful Indians in 2011: No. 51-60

Ambani Group

Why

Unlike brother Mukesh,he faced setbacks in 2010,bringing his ranking down from 35 to 51. The Supreme Court verdict on gas supply to his power projects went against him. His Reliance Infra and RNRL signed a consent settlement with Sebi in an alleged FII violation norms’ case,under which he would abstain from the market for one year. Problems in the telecom sector are also troubling Reliance Communication.

Power Punch

The 2,400-MW plant being built by Reliance Power at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore at Samalkot in Andhra Pradesh is his next big project.

What Next

Has to reduce the debt burden of RCom and execute many power projects signed by the group. Reliance Infra is working on several ambitious infra projects including the Mumbai Metro project — timely completion will be important.

By the way

Jogs 18 km daily; visits the Tirupati temple before any major deal.

52. Veerappa Moily,71

Union Law Minister

Why

He falls in the list because this media-friendly minister’s job was coveted by some colleagues during the recent Cabinet reshuffle and serious thought was given to the merits and demerits of such a change. He retained his job but his future is not as certain as he would like it to be. Still,he remains a pleasant change after HR Bhardwaj’s stint as law minister. And no one doubts his sincerity in working on key bills proposing reform of the judiciary and the justice delivery system.

Power Punch

When the Cabinet was debating caste-based census,his was one of the loudest voices supporting the move. The proposal was cleared.

What Next

Piloting bills that address judicial accountability and afford more legal rights to victims of heinous crimes will be his priority this year.

By the way

A prolific author,he was described by his publisher at the latest book launch as a best-selling writer.

53. Naveen Patnaik,64

Why

The soft-spoken CM remains almost unchallenged on his home turf.

But he falls in the list because his showpiece projects are stuck. Perhaps he needs friends at the Centre. He remains one of the country’s most remarkable chief ministers,not least because there has never been a whiff of corruption around him. And he is clearly a moderniser — but in national politics,his influence is lower than before.

Power Punch

He complained to the Prime Minister about the alleged double standards being applied while granting environmental clearances to projects.

It was one of the reasons why the Polavaram project in Congress-ruled Andhra Pradesh,opposed by Orissa,was issued a show-cause notice by the Environment Ministry for failure to carry out public hearings in project-affected areas of Orissa and Chhattisgarh.

What Next

With several high-profile industrial projects getting mired in environmental problems,he has his task cut out in marketing his state as a viable investment destination. Big-ticket projects are a much-needed source of revenue to fund social schemes.

By the way

He might still not be fluent in the Oriya language but he eats only Oriya food when he is in the state.

54. Kamal Nath,64

Union Urban Development Minister

Why

He comes down the list for his less-than-impressive performance as roads minister in UPA-2,as the recent Cabinet reshuffle showed. Urban development is an important remit,but he’s less important in the Cabinet now. Controversies didn’t help either.

Power Punch

Highway building is now less dependent on contractual detail,as the Planning Commission used to insist.

What Next

He started his new stint by declaring he’d make the Delhi Metro bigger than the London Metro.

By the way

He jots down the day’s appointments and meetings on a small stack of cards.

55. HR Bhardwaj,74

Governor of Karnataka

Why

He enters the list because he has posed more of a challenge to the ruling BJP government in Karnataka than the entire Opposition put together. He has taken on Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa over issues of corruption and illegal mining,leaving the government embarrassed and worried.

Power Punch

He sanctioned the prosecution of Karnataka chief minister to the latter’s rage. Last year,he recommended dismissal of the government and then gave it a second chance to prove its numbers.

What Next

He has a fight on his hands,with the BJP accusing him of being a political governor.

By the way

He is the author of several books,including Soul of India,Crime,Criminal Justice And Human Rights and Law,Lawyers and Judges.

56. Samir Jain,56

Vice-chairman,

Bennett Coleman & Co

Vineet Jain,44

MD,Bennett Coleman & Co

Why

The Bennett Coleman & Co brothers maintain their position on the list as they continue to dominate the Indian media space. Their print titles,Times of India and Economic Times,are market leaders,and their TV news channels,Times Now and ET Now,are growing fast. Lifestyle channel,Zoom,the new movie channel,Movies Now,and a strong presence on radio and the web further help maintain their lead.

Power Punch

They launched Brand Capital to provide long-term funds to growth-oriented enterprises for advertising.

What Next

They are targeting the southern market quite aggressively. They recently announced the launch of their editions in Coimbatore and Madurai.

By the way

The older brother is highly spiritual and his executives often have to make a trip to Haridwar to discuss important issues with him. The younger one’s Holi bashes are considered the best in town.

57. E Sreedharan,78

Chief,Delhi Metro

Why

He climbs sharply in the list,not just because Delhi Metro’s Phase II,despite a tight schedule and the challenging Badarpur metro corridor,was completed before the CWG deadline,but because he’s now India’s Metro Man. He’s consultant for every city — Bangalore,Chennai,Jaipur,Kochi — that wants to build a metro. In a country known for shoddy infrastructure project execution,he’s become an inspirational exception.

Power Punch

He was to retire last December but the government gave him his fifth extension in his 13-year career as head of Delhi Metro for its upcoming Phase III. He’s still seen as irreplaceable.

What Next

Delhi Metro’s Phase III,and guiding metros in other cities. He wants to innovate more in the next phases.

By the way

He deals with passenger complaints personally. That’s how the women’s-only coach was introduced.

58. ESL Narasimhan,64

Governor of Andhra Pradesh

Why

The governor,especially trusted by the Congress,makes it to the list this time as he has a substantial role to play this year in power politics. Narasimhan will have a big role in mediating in Andhra’s Telangana problem.

Power Punch

Narasimhan regularly advises the Centre on state matters,unusual for a governor.

What Next

Narasimhan is the Congress’s unofficial mentor for Andhra Pradesh’s newish Chief Minister,Kiran Kumar,who is coping with Jagan Reddy and Telangana activists.

By the way

Narasimhan drops his wife everywhere she goes,whether to shop or to the airport.

59. Brijmohan Lall Munjal,87

Hero Honda Chairman

Why

The Hero Honda group chairman moves down in this year’s list as the company brings to an end its 26-year-long joint venture with Japanese auto major Honda. However,he’s still the man who charted his company’s growth from a small cycle manufacturing unit in Ludhiana to become the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. He’ll be tested on the research and development front for new product models. Honda Motorcycles has already made its India foray and has big expansion plans. Rising costs and competition from Bajaj Auto have also dented net margin and stock price.

Power Punch

His announcement of buying out of Honda’s stake in the Hero group.

What Next

He needs to expand on the R&D front,especially at a time when other manufacturers are planning to expand and international companies have made inroads. He also needs to plan for the company’s rebranding once it parts ways with Honda.

By the way

A first-generation entrepreneur,his first job was at an army ordnance factory in undivided India in 1943.

60. MK Stalin,57

Deputy Chief Minister,Tamil Nadu

Why

He’s still the heir-apparent to father and Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi,but brother and Union minister MK Alagiri and party colleague and ex-Union minister A Raja are the reasons he slides down the list. Alagiri’s pressure was the reason the father didn’t demit office in favour of the other son. Stalin also lost out when he backed Raja in the 2G controversy. Chances are he will be CM sooner rather than later if the DMK retains power — but it’s no longer a clear-cut succession.

Power Punch

He persuaded his father to meet the PM during the latter’s recent Chennai visit; Karunanidhi was miffed because Chennai’s Eco Park,a pet project,hadn’t yet received environmental clearance.

What Next

Winning the state polls in a manner that his loyalists get maximum seats. Jayalalithaa won’t make the first easy,Alagiri will try to play spoiler on the second.

By the way

Absolutely loves SUVs.