Even though Ashwani Lohani’s re-appointment (dated 13 February 2019) as Air India CMD is an old news now but still it continues to haunt power corridors as why did Lohani accept the Additional Secretary level post; that too for a period of mere 365 days. Prior to his appointment as Chairman Railway Board- an Ex-Officio Principal Secretary post in Govt of India which is just below the rank of Cabinet Secretary- he served as Air India CMD.  

It had surprised one and all - like many other unusual appointments by the NDA government. Power corridors are still abuzz why this unusual post-retirement re-appointment was made for such a short period. When the NaMo Govt came to power, it signaled that the stability of administration would be its top priority. Lohani's reappointment is seen exactly the opposite of that signal.

Some say that having handled the disinvestment process as Air India CMD, he is deployed to complete the incomplete work in case the NDA Govt returns to power. It is said that employee unions were still a roadblock to the divestment of Air India. However, following the stern action (banning) against the Shiv Sena MP who misbehaved with senior crew member 02 yrs back, Lohani enjoys the respect and confidence of employees of AIL which may help Lohani set the ball rolling on account of Unions. In fact, the time would prove to be too short to accomplish the mammoth task of AIL divestment.

Further, there are many who believe that the NaMo administration could not find any other officer who could enjoy its confidence in Air India's disinvestment.

None of these stories seems to explain a lot of unexplained things and that is why surprises have been the hallmark of NaMo administration.