21 visits to Siachen

Barely 65-kgs,George Fernandes’ private secretary C K Mishra does not believe in throwing his weight around. But MoD officials insist the mild mannered officer is ‘very powerful’ and has the minister’s ear. Of course, he often tries to deflect uncomfortable questions coming his minister’s way at times asking the minister not to answer.

That is a task Ashok Subrahmanyam, additional PS, does too. He is of course, a ‘‘part of the minister’s family.’’ At times the minister accepts invitations and requests for meeting of ‘‘people of doubtful credentials,’’ but Ashok jumps in with the person’s background and ‘‘requests cancellation of the meeting.’’

A central secretarial service officer Ashok has served with nine union ministers, including Mamata Banerjee and Madhavrao Scindia. He first served with Fernandes during the minister’s stint as Railway minister in 1989.

The story of Ashok’s proximity to RM goes back to the times when Fernandes had the additional charge of Kashmir affairs. With no securitymen in tow Ashok would drive the minister to Zero Bridge or Dal Gate at night with a curfew pass and hold ‘secret parleys’ with ‘‘misguided youth’’ trying to get them back in the fold.