BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s sharp criticism of Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian was swiftly countered by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday.
The Centre, which was rapped for not reacting appropriately to Swamy’s attacks on Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, was quick to defend the Chief Economic Adviser. The BJP also distanced itself from Swamy’s remark.
“The government has full confidence in the Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. His advice to the government from time to time has been of great value. In fact, the presentation on the textile and garment sector made today (Wednesday) was done in active consultation with him,” Jaitley said.
The BJP too did not support Swamy’s views, he added.
“The party, of course, has said that it does not share Swamy’s view. To what extent should we attack those whose discipline and constraints of office prevent them from responding? This has happened more than once,” Jaitley said.
Swamy flooded his twitter timeline on Wednesday to say that Subramanian had told the US Congress that America should act against India to defend US pharmaceuticals’ interests and that the CEA stoked the Congress to stand firm against the GST Bill.
BJP National Secretary Srikant Sharma said the remarks on the CEA are Swamy’s personal views. “The party does not agree with his personal opinion,” he said.
The Congress said Swamy’s attacks are aimed at Jaitley. Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh tweeted: “Target is Arun Jaitley, not Arvind Subramanian.” He wondered if Modi was “handing over” the Finance Ministry to Swamy as a quid pro quo for targeting the Nehru-Gandhi family.
Endorsing Singh’s views, party spokesperson PL Punia said meritorious, honest and impartial people have no role in the Modi government. “BJP leaders have been discrediting meritorious people in the government,” Punia said.
“The CEA is being accused of working as an agent of US pharma companies. The PM should make a statement on this,” Punia added.