Jairam Ramesh’s comments made waves for two days running in the Indian political establishment. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi gave a dressing down to Ramesh. After pulling him up, he was advised to meet Chidambaram. Promptly, Jairam met Chidambaram, apologized to him for the gaffe and explained he did not mean to question government policy.

While the government has ruled out any immediate action against Jairam Ramesh, there is a question mark over his role in the Union Council of Ministers. Jairam Ramesh’s term in Parliament ends on June 21 and unless he is renominated by the ruling Congress, he would lose his Ministerial position. There is no official indication, as yet about his possible renomination. In fact, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma tenure as MP has expired but he is being allowed to continue, suggesting that his renomination is imminent. Similarly, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni, too, appears set to be renominated, but there is no official word yet on the renomination of Jairam Ramesh.

Jairam Ramesh tendered an apology for both to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi. According to sources, the Prime Minister was not convinced of the explanation of Jairam Ramesh that he was speaking "off the record" to a group of Indian journalists in Beijing and never suspected that his views would get into print. Congress President Sonia Gandhi advised him to call on Chidambaram. The following day, Jairam Ramesh met Chidambaram and the meeting lasted about 10 minutes.

Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said: “I will not comment on the issue of Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. It is an issue between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh is fully competent to explain his position to them. It is not for me to comment on an issue like this.”

According to sources, Jairam Ramesh offered to resign, but it was rejected for now. It appears to be only for now and the prime minister and the Congress president are yet to take a call on the issue. It may be deferred and as part of a larger reshuffle, it may cost Jairam Ramesh his job.