He knew rank and hierarchy mattered and asked for cabinet rank.24 He ensured he would report to the prime minister and that the announcement of his induction would be in his words – it was critical that he be ‘invited’ to join government. He asked for a special cabinet committee on UIDAI so decisions could be empowered and insulated. He got an assurance that the law bestowing statutory authority to the autonomous body would be prioritised. Manmohan Singh agreed on all counts. More importantly, he passed the baton of process to Ahluwalia, experienced in the art of skirting minefields.
