Why does industry love P. Chidambaram so much?
He is intelligent, knowledgeable on economic matters, and committed to liberalisation. In India, there are not many politicians who share these attributes.
How do you compare him with Manmohan Singh?
Both are outstanding. Except that Manmohan Singh has throughout been a technocrat-economist. Chidambaram, though a lawyer, has for quite some time been a politician. That is an asset.
How's that?
It helps because other things being equal, a politician knows when to take hard decisions and when to pull back. We need more politicians like Chidambaram and not third-rate politicians who are more concerned about their own future without bothering about the people or the country.
Where do you think Chidambaram has added his personal touch to the office?
Each individual is different because of his ability, capability, push, aggression and personality. Chidambaram fits the finance minister's bill well on these counts.
Do you think Chidambaram is indispensable?
I want to see Chidambaram back, but no individual is indispensable. The economic reforms will continue whoever comes in.
