Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee smiles as he addresses a press conference in his South Block office.

Mukherjee was tipped to be the home minister, considered second only to the PM.

But if he was disappointed, he did not show it.

During his first official meeting in the morning, the veteran of many a government surprised bureaucrats with his knowledge of his new job, asking precise questions and showing that he had done his homework well.

During the press conference, he said the government would strive for transparency in armament purchases.

Regarding the deals signed by the National Democratic Alliance government, he said he would order a probe into them only if "specific charges come up".