BJP Steers Clear of Swamy’s Remarks Against CEA Arvind Subramanian

Latching onto the idea that he was responsible for Rajan’s exit, Swamy has now attacked Arvind Subramanian.

Subramanian Swamy (L) and Arvind Subramanian (R). (Photo: The Quint)

The BJP on Wednesday distanced itself from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s attacks on Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) Arvind Subramanian. Swamy had asked Subramanian to be sacked.

“The party has nothing to do with this. It’s his personal opinion,” it said.

Subramanian Vs Subramanian

Following his virulent campaign against RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, Swamy took to Twitter on Wednesday, to launch caustic remarks against Subramanian, who is also one of the front-runners to becoming the next RBI Governor.

As a rather sad reminder of Rajan’s fate, Swamy’s attack was launched through a series of tweets.

Also Read: Raghuram Rajan Not Fit for India: Subramanian Swamy

Reactions to Swamy’s Tirade

As if his Twitter rants weren’t enough, Swamy, in an interview, also raised doubts over Subramanian’s Indian citizenship, claiming that because he used to work in the US, he might not be an Indian citizen. He was quick to add that he is sure Subramanian has a green card.

Now PTs (Patriotic Tweeples) can understand why our core economic sectors could not perform last two years. Trojan horses galore in MoF/Fin Institutions. Such people who can fail our Government, such people should be tossed out. How can we have such a person an advisor here?

As Swamy’s attacks escalated beyond social media, the Finance Ministry was quick to defend its appointment of the former IMF economist as CEA.

“Government had taken a considered view when it appointed Arvind Subramanian. The Finance Ministry knew of his stance on key issues like Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) before choosing him.”

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also took to Twitter to express his views on the issue.

Renowned India Inc talking head, Mohandas Pai too reacted to Swamy’s statements.

Government said they supported Rajan but Swamy went after him. All of us respect PM Modi, but many people are asking – is Swamy the super person influencing policy? Is he running the country?

Swamy Has A History of Attacking People

Swamy has latched onto the idea that he was instrumental in Rajan’s decision to go back to academia and refuse a second term as RBI governor.

Questioning his integrity and skills, Swamy did not leave any stone unturned in displaying his dislike towards Rajan on Twitter and otherwise. He was quoted as saying that Rajan is “not appropriate for the country.”

Previously, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung had also come under Swamy’s vitriolic attacks, after he called Kejriwal a “fraud” and accused Jung of seeking guidance from Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s political secretary Ahmed Patel.

I was after (Raghuram) Rajan and now he is gone. In this, too, I will tell the government to remove him. He has been made by the Congress.

Subramanian Swamy on Arvind Kejriwal

Also Read: As Raghuram Rajan Retreats, His Nemesis Subramanian Swamy Advances