Jairam in complete control of climate policy now

Manmohan may also support the environment minister

The differences between the two began in the run-up to the Copenhagen summit as Saran advocated continuity in India’s approach to climate issues while Jairam was for a radical shift.

Their differences grew as the minister’s letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on this issue became public.

The minister, in that letter, had sought permission for effecting a dramatic shift in the climate policy. Saran had opposed this stating that this was against the country’s interests.

The two took opposing views on major issues such as emission reduction, foreign inspection, pecking order, diluting the per capita norm, etc. Saran was opposed to India announcing any voluntary cut in carbon emission ahead of the summit.

Also, Jairam was perceived to be taking a line that was close to the one drawn up by the US while Saran was favouring a much more conservative approach in line with that of the G-77 countries.

Furore in Parliament

The minister’s stance created a furore in the winter session of Parliament and he was forced to assure the MPs that there would be no change in the policy.

Saran led the negotiating team earlier and until shortly after Jairam took over as environment minister. However, a few months before the summit, Jairam made it to the team and began airing his opinion on climate issues.

The two reportedly had a tiff at the summit following which Saran returned to Delhi but went back with the prime minister. Besides Saran, two other members of India’s negotiating team on climate—Chandrashekar Dasgupta and Prodipto Ghosh—opposed Jairam’s stand. They even threatened to pull out charging the minister with  changing the policy in the name of flexibility. The minister had to summon all his persuasive skills to pacify the two retired officials who are specialising in the subject.

After the summit, a section of Congress leaders was said to have argued with the prime minister that climate policy should be guided solely by the environment ministry and that Jairam was competent to do it. Thus, it would be no surprise if the prime minister refrains from appointing any successor to Saran.