National

Back From The Cold

Arun Singh returns, but in the role of facilitator this time around

Advertisement

Back From The Cold
info_icon

It's the return of the recluse. After a self-imposed political exile of more than a decade in the sylvan setting of Binsar in the hills of Uttar Pradesh, Arun Singh has made a reappearance in the hurly-burly of New Delhi. This time, he has been designated as special executive assistant to external affairs minister Jaswant Singh, drawing an honorary salary of Re 1 a month.

Before taking up his hermitic lifestyle, this one-time chum of Rajiv Gandhi-a former corporate executive-turned-defence specialist-was someone to reckon with, and not just by virtue of being minister of state for defence in Rajiv's cabinet. Singh quit that post when allegations of kickbacks in the Bofors deal surfaced, upset that he was kept in the dark especially after putting up a spirited defence in Parliament over the gun deal. And immediately afterwards, he took up his life in the hills.

Advertisement

Singh has now emerged from the wilderness to give Vajpayee's caretaker regime a helping hand in these troubled times. "His job basically involves advising the minister on the military aspects of the Kargil conflict with a focus on security," says a prime ministerial aide.

Actually, Arun Singh's appointment was more in the nature of formalising a role he had been playing for some time. Even before officially taking over his new post, he was learnt to be providing inputs on the necessary diplomatic initiatives. "Jaswant Singh has been in touch with him for a while now. When Kargil blew up, it was only natural that he came around as a worthy aide," says a senior bureaucrat. Parallels are also being drawn with the time Inderjit Gupta was home minister in Deve Gowda's cabinet, when he brought in former cbi director Arun Mukherjee as an officer on special duty, in an advisory capacity.

Advertisement

Despite his long layoff from the political arena, nobody is downplaying Arun Singh's importance in his new avatar. A fine strategic thinker, known especially for his penetrating report on military reforms which he brought out the last time he was in office, Singh continues to enjoy the confidence of the top brass in the defence establishment.

Just over a week into his new job, he has been keeping late hours in his office in South Block, next door to minister of state for external affairs, Vasundhara Raje Scindia. And seemingly doing a good job. "He is a great logistics person, knows how India should respond to the military constraints we face," says a joint secretary in the ministry of external affairs. Taking an active part in meetings attended by senior foreign and defence ministry officials and chaired by Jaswant Singh, Arun Singh reportedly acts as a healthy interface.

"Let's put it this way. On security matters, some of the ias officers in the defence establishment can be tough nuts to crack. Singh acts as an efficent facilitator for the foreign ministry," says a senior bureaucrat. Besides, Singh is also playing an active role in providing advice on the Kargil operations. "His contribution is appreciated and he has a sharp mind," says an army officer.

Though no files are specifically marked to Singh, he gets to see most of the important folders pertaining to Kargil and is briefed on the situation as well. At least three joint secretaries in the foreign ministry-Vivek Katju (Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan), Alok Prasad (America) and Rakesh Sood (Disarmament)-are known to keep Singh well-apprised with developments on the diplomatic front.

Advertisement

Sources also point out that Singh had a hand in the ministry of defence proposal for relief and rehabilitation of the Kargil victims and their families which has now been finalised. The proposal, sent to the pmo last week, lists various schemes it wants implemented from funds and donations flowing into the National Defence Fund.

But will Singh continue to hold on to his post once the Kargil crisis blows over? "Some of us think it is a temporary job, but to a large extent it will depend on the political class," says a pmo official. Others believe that even when the denouement to the Kargil conflict goes in India's favour, a lot will still be needed to be done. "We will need to bridge diplomatic initiatives and military compulsions. Singh could be very helpful here," says an official.

Advertisement

However, that is something which Singh will have to answer. Even in his earlier stint as minister of state, he did not strictly subscribe to the Congress ideology, was not moved by its politics. "He was just helping out a friend as he is doing now," says an official. Vajpayee may have scored a major coup politically by roping in a former Rajiv confidant to help out his beleagured government, but his longevity is doubtful.

Tags

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement

    Advertisement