Retirement Bhavan

Speculation continues to swirl around whether or not Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will take his trusted team with him when (and if) he moves to Rashtrapati Bhavan. His long-standing lieutenant and advisor, Omita Paul, who was once expected to retire with Mr Mukherjee’s elevation, is now believed to be likely to move with him. Whether or not she gets the post of Secretary to the President – a highly coveted position, with one of the best bungalows in New Delhi made available ex officio – is unclear. The current incumbent, Christie Fernandez, has raised the post’s profile, but it is now expected that he will leave with Pratibha Patil. Meanwhile, it might be the end of the road, too, for Finance Secretary R S Gujral, with rumours swirling that Expenditure Secretary Sumit Bose is preparing for an elevation.