Modi condemns Swamy's attack on Rajan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned BJP MP Subramanian Swamy's attack on Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan and top finance ministry officials, saying "it was not right".

"Whether it is in my party or not, I think things like these are not good," Modi told TimesNow news channel in an interview. He said the remarks were not fair and the "desire for publicity will not do any good to the nation".

"If anybody considers himself bigger than the system, it's not correct," he added.

Modi was asked whether it was appropriate that despite he putting forth seven "mantras" before BJP leaders and workers during the National Executive meet at Allahabad, "your Rajya Sabha MP" has been attacking Rajan and other government officials.

"My message is very clear. I have no confusion about it," Modi said when asked whether his message on the issue is clear.

The Prime Minister also said he had no doubts about Rajan's patriotism.

"I appreciate the work done by him and his love for the country is unquestionable. His services, even after he retires, will be available to the nation."

Modi also said that when his government took over in May 2014, there was a perception that Rajan would not be allowed to complete his term as the RBI governor, but it was proved otherwise.

"There was a strong perception that Rajan would be removed soon after the new government takes over, but this did not happen and he is completing his term," he said, adding that all misconceptions have been proved wrong.

Swamy has publicly attacked Rajan saying he was "mentally not fully Indian". He also wrote to the Prime Minister demanding that Rajan be denied an extension. Later, Rajan announced that he was not taking a second term.

Swamy had also demanded removal of Chief Economic Advisor alleging that Arvind Subramanian had asked the US Congress that it should act against India to defend US pharmaceuticals interests.

Swamy also targeted Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has strongly backed Subramanian and Das.

--IANS

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