Jairam & Bill: The odds couple

As World Bank President Robert Zoellick gets ready to step down in June, the inevitable speculation about his successor has begun. And given the state of the US and Europe, much commentary has been expended on the prospect of an emerging economy candidate occupying this powerful post. Inasmuch as these things can be considered accurate, Irish online bookmaker Paddy Power has listed the odds of 24 candidates. Of these, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers is the front-runner at 4/11. Current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at 9/2 and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner at 9/1 are other prominent runners. The notable point for Indians is the inclusion of Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh. Not that his odds are particularly strong at 66/1 -but they’re the same as Bill Clinton’s! For what it’s worth former Brazilian President Lula Da Silva has slightly stronger odds at 20/1.