Twice,Govt chose an envoy to South Africa,twice it changed its mind

The Indian mission in Pretoria has been functioning without a High Commissioner since November last year when R K Bhatia completed his tenure. However,the appointment emerged as a prize posting given the high-level power play behind the selection of his successor.

The MEAs first choice for the post was Alok Prasad,who was Indias High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Its learnt that Prasad was not very keen on the posting and preferred a tenure in New Delhi given that hes in the reckoning for the top position of Foreign Secretary.

Some heavy lifting in the capital saw his appointment as Deputy National Security Advisor. This led to the withdrawal of the first agrément,an unusual move in itself as the letter is sent only after formally deciding on the appointee.

In the second round,the names of two diplomats cropped up for the prize post, both of whom had the backing of senior Cabinet ministers: Bhaswati Mukherjee,whose term as Indias representative at UNESCO was ending,and Ashok Mukherjee,Deputy High Commissioner in London.

While Ashok Mukherjee lost out as it was felt that he should do a stint in New Delhi,the name of Bhaswati Mukherjee was sent for approval to South Africa. However,even as Pretoria gave its go-ahead for the appointment,New Delhi once again had a change of mind. Its learnt that Bhaswati Mukherjee has been approved as Indias Ambassador to the Netherlands.

Now,ICCR Director General Virendra Guptas name has finally been approved as High Commissioner to South Africa. This has come as a surprise as he is yet to complete his term as ICCR DG. Incidentally,ICCR chief Karan Singh made it clear that he wanted a Director General who would serve a full term.

Commerce Minister Anand Sharma,who was MoS in MEA in the last government,was particularly keen that a capable officer is posted there. It may be noted that Sharma has had an old association with South Africa,starting from his student days when he was the chairman of the Indian Anti-Apartheid Movement and the World Youth Action against Apartheid.

When contacted,Sharma denied any involved with Guptas selection but said that when informed of the appointment,he commended the decision. This (appointment of envoys) is the exclusive domain of the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister. I used to be involved when I was earlier in the External Affairs Ministry. When I was informed about the appointment,I commended the choice, he said.

Sources,however,confirmed that Sharma was unhappy with Bhaswati Mukherjees selection. This brought HRD Minister Kapil Sibal into the picture. Given that HRD ministry deals regularly with Indias rep at UNESCO,a delay in her appointment was making matters difficult for his Ministry. He,too,is said to have worked the phones but when contacted,declined to comment.