Why Doesn't Subramanian Swamy Like Arun Jaitley?
When a respected economist is overlooked while a non-expert is given an important position, it's natural for the former to feel frustrated and resentful. This has been the case with prominent Indian economist Dr. Subramanian Swamy and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, particularly during the Modi government tenure.
Professional Background and Credentials
Dr. Subramanian Swamy, known for his statistical and economic expertise, holds a distinguished position in the world of finance. He once was considered one of the best economists globally, having taught at esteemed institutions and held significant academic positions. On the other hand, Arun Jaitley, despite not being an economist, has secured a notable place as the Finance Minister under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His background is more aligned with law and politics than economic policy.
Reasons for Discontent
Dr. Swamy feels a strong animosity towards Mr. Jaitley, similar to his feelings towards Sonia Gandhi. Swamy believed that he had a genuine chance to become the Finance Minister during Prime Minister Modi's tenure. However, Arun Jaitley's appointment as the Finance Minister turned him into a nightmare, as Swamy believed he was equally, if not more, qualified for the role. The primary source of Swamy's frustration stems from Jaitley's perceived closeness to Prime Minister Modi, which he believes led to an unfair advantage in securing the position.
Critical Situations and Public Criticisms
Early this year, Dr. Swamy publicly criticized former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, whom Jaitley's financial secretary had collaborated with. Swamy's critique, which was more about criticizing the Financial Ministry's decision, was initially directed at Rajan but was clearly an indirect attack on the Ministry's policies. This incident further fueled the tensions between the two.
Conclusion
The conflict between Subramanian Swamy and Arun Jaitley is not merely a clash of personalities but a larger issue related to professional rivalry within the corridors of Indian politics. While Swamy has the academic credentials and experience, Jaitley's role as the Finance Minister is a testament to the political dynamics at play. This scenario reflects a larger narrative in Indian politics where expertise and merit are sometimes overshadowed by personal relationships and political expediency.