They may not be in the public eye, but really count

M K NARAYANAN

The National Security Advisor is involved in everything, whether it is Naxalites or the constitutional crisis in Jharkhand. The reasons are clear -- everything has a national security implication! Clearly eclipses the principal secretary to the PM who is quiet and restrained, and the Cabinet Secretary who appears to be totally overwhelmed by his job.

PULOK CHATTERJEE

The link to 10 Janpath, he handles all the bureaucratic appointments, transfers and postings.

ARUN BHATNAGAR

The man who runs the National Advisory Council, he's the one person whom no one can say 'no' to.