New Delhi:
It was Team Manmohan's pinch-hitter P Chidambaram's first day in office in the second consecutive Manmohan Singh government.
But his table won't remain so uncluttered. There is work left over from his last tenure even as fresh files are coming in.
"The MHA will draw up another 100-day plan that will taken up for implementation during the period beginning June 1," he said soon after taking charge as the Home Minister.
Team Manmohan's Mr Clean and Mr Dependable, A K Antony, too has a long to-do list. Among the top priorities are -- a rising China, a Pakistan in turmoil and armed forces that desperately need to be modernised.
"Security scenario is becoming more challenging because of developments around India. It is a matter of concern. There is need to further strengthen the security apparatus," he said.
The debutant in Team Manmohan is S M Krishna and he has one of the most difficult tasks -- dealing with Pakistan.
And finally, the UPA government's most trusted ally Sharad Pawar is back in his second stint as Agriculture Minister. This time, Pawar has to deal with tricky issues like food grain procurement and public distribution.
None of the ministers are new to their jobs, but with a difficult neighbourhood, tough challenges in internal security and the economy, they surely will have to come up with new and fresh ideas to justify the overwhelming mandate.