From being one of Modi's top ministers, Swaraj has batted herself into a tight corner

Lalit Modi, the ex-IPL czar, is an inveterate gambler. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is not known to take big risks. Modi lives life outsize and is always in your face. Swaraj prefers to keep her head down and play second fiddle to her Prime Minister. Prior to the electoral victory she was seen as Narendra Modi's arch rival. After the ministry formation, though inwardly seething for being given the least of the powerful big four-the others being home, defence and finance-Swaraj played the perfect foil to her boss. Those close to her claim that she would have preferred defence and be seen in the 'Jhansi Ki Rani' mould. It fitted her image as a firebrand leader of her party. As Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, her Parliamentary debating skills were applauded. She was in the running for PM until Modi bested her. Swaraj sheathed her ambition and got down to work earnestly.

While Narendra Modi hogged the limelight and wowed leaders and audiences across the globe, Swaraj went about her ministerial tasks with a quiet efficiency, making sure never to overshadow him. She had a hands-on style and was one of the few ministers who could pick up the phone and clear issues with the PM. She had a reputation for being a fast mover and her bustling, impulsive nature was seen as a virtue in the protocol-bound Ministry-until now.