Pranab Mukherjee has little difficulty negotiating New Delhi’s corridors of power. He has been doing it for nearly half a century. The lanes of the country’s financial capital are another matter. The stock market is a maze best left to the strong-hearted, but one could reasonably expect the finance minister — or the managers of his security and travel — to get to a bank awards ceremony in one shot. In the event, Mr Mukherjee did reach the Trident in the Bandra-Kurla complex after taking a detour to Nariman Point, where the Oberois have their older and more famous hotel. The two hours spent on the road gave the minister a valid excuse to be late for a do, unlike some of his political brethren who would regard the passage of this length of time as their due before popping their heads into their drawing rooms to meet the people.
But do look at the brighter side. If Mr Mukherjee’s security detail does not know where it is going, the minister is indeed safe. Helluva target to attack. “The minister’s just left his bungalow to present the Budget in Parliament. Hold on, the cavalcade took a wrong turn and is now headed towards Manesar…” Or, “The minister is scheduled to arrive at Bretton Woods in 15 minutes. How on earth did he reach Sherwood Forest?” Get the picture.
It’s also good for the markets. Keeps it guessing. “The unemployment dole has been trimmed because the finance minister’s security have lost his briefcase...” Worryingly though, did you show you earned less last year than what you bought that SUV for? Check across the passenger seat, the grandfatherly gent peering at you is...