NEW DELHI: After targeting RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Wednesday trained his guns on chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian, accusing him of holding views against the Indian economy during his tenure with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Centre, however, was quick to jump to the CEA’s defence with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying, “The government has full confidence in Arvind Subramanian. His advice from time to time has been of great value.”
Swamy, on a high after Rajan announced last week that he will not seek a second term as RBI governor, took on Arvind, a likely successor to the post, in a series of tweets. “Who said to US Cong on 13/3/13 the US should act against India to defend US Pharmaceuticals interests? Arvind Subramanian MoF !! Sack him!!!,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, the government’s intention to show that Swamy’s comments did not have its support was quite evident. “From the point of view of discipline of Indian politicians, to what extent should we attack those... discipline and constraints of office prevent them from responding. And this has happened more than once,” said Jaitley, apparently rebuffing Swamy.
Separately, the BJP also distanced itself from Swamy’s virulent attack on Arvind, saying it was his personal view.