Chidambaram raised his hand to show five fingers as the CBI took him away in custody. (Photo: Twitter/INCIndia)

If there is one thing that P Chidambaram has done as he faces heat over his involvement in the INX Media case is maintain his cool.

The ever-smiling countenance of Chidambaram is closer to a laughing Buddha than a man who is currently in custody of probe agencies in an Rs 300-crore scam.

On Tuesday, Chidambaram remained unfazed as a Delhi court extended his CBI custody by two more days. Because the former finance minister was smiling about something else -- the state of the economy under the Modi government.

As P Chidambaram emerged out of the courthouse, a reporter asked him what he had to say about his custody, all the zen politician had to say was "Five per cent. Do you know what is five per cent?"

WATCH CHIDAMBARAM THROW SHADE:

He raised his palm in a mocking tone. A high five to indicate the low five of the economy.

Chidambaram's reference was obviously to the six year-low that the GDP growth has hit at 5 per cent in the April-June quarter.

India's economic growth has slumped for the fifth straight quarter to an over six-year low of 5 per cent in the three months ended June as consumer demand and private investment slowed amid deteriorating global environment.

Having lost the tag of the world's fastest-growing economy earlier this year, India's GDP growth was behind China's 6.2 per cent in April-June, its weakest pace in at least 27 years.

Congress grabbed the opportunity and tweeted a video of the exchange with the caption, "A quick reminder by P Chidambaram on why he's feared by the BJP government."

A quick reminder by @PChidambaram_IN on why he's feared by the BJP govt. #ModiMadeEconomicCrisis pic.twitter.com/9XOdVf6saT Congress (@INCIndia) September 3, 2019

Like father, like son

But walking out of court proceedings in full swagger seems to be a trait that runs through the Chidambaram family. Just like his father, son Karti Chidambaram leaves no opportunity to show strength in face of persecution.

Last year, when Karti was under custody for his involvement in the INX Media case, a struck a similar pose every time he stepped out in public. Fist clenched, right hand raised -- a picture of resilience.

Karti Chidambaram at the Patiala House Court in Delhi in March 2018. (Photo: PTI)

"Both father and son are very confident, and they believe they are within the framework of the law, and they've done no wrong," then Congress member Tom Vadakkan had said about Karti's power pose.

READ | The mystery of Karti's victory pose: Political messaging, spontaneity, or confidence?

Chidambaram's court custody extended

Former finance minister P Chidambaram would remain in the CBI custody till September 5 in the INX Media corruption case as the Supreme Court Tuesday ordered "status quo" despite the probe agency insisting that it does not require his further custodial interrogation.

The apex court also asked Chidambaram's counsel not to press for the interim bail plea, filed before the trial court on Monday and scheduled to be heard today, till Thursday.

The top court had on Monday given partial relief to Chidambaram saying he would not be sent to Tihar Jail after the former finance minister offered to be under house arrest instead of being sent to prison.

The CBI had lodged an FIR on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during Chidambaram's tenure as union finance minister.

Thereafter the ED had lodged a separate money laundering case in 2017.

Chidambaram was the finance minister and home minister during the UPA-I and UPA-II government from 2004 to 2014.