Amongst the MPs the most popular minister is believed to be Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh. (Let's not get into the most-hated ministers, for now). Jairam does not mind patting first timers MPs, across party lines, and this gesture is known to enthuse them. It is well known that if these MPs ask for funds for rural roads in their constituencies, it is then and there granted -- emailed instructions sent to to Joint Secretaries of the Ramesh's ministry.