Modi on Swamy: No one is bigger than the system

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 someone from my party or not, I believe that such things are inappropriate. The nation won't benefit from such publicity stunts. One should be more responsible while conducting themselves," Modi told TimesNow news channel in an interview.

"Anyone who believes he is bigger than the system is wrong," he added.

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

"My message is very clear. I have no confusion about it," Modi said.

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

"As much as I know Raghuram Rajan, whatever post he holds, wherever he is, he is someone who will continue to serve the country. He is someone who loves his country. Those who speak such language are doing great injustice to him," Modi said.

"My experience with him (Rajan) has been good. I appreciate the work he has done. And my good wishes will always be with him," he added.

"According to my 2-year experience in government, those who are creating controversies, are being unjust to Raghuram Rajan."

Swamy had 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.

Modi in the interview 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.

"When my government was formed in May 2014 there was more or less consensus that he (Rajan) was appointed by the previous government and so Modi won't let him complete his tenure and will remove him. You have seen, that he worked his entire tenure. So all the misconceptions have been dispelled," Modi said.

--IANS

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