The South India Times
(Special Correspondent)
Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Yatra this morning, stirring an interesting debate in political circles.
Videos shared on social media showed Rajan and Rahul Gandhi having a discussion, while marching as the Congress’s walkathon resumed today from Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan.Reacting to the former RBI Governor’s participation in the walkathon, the BJP said Rajan “fancies himself as the next Manmohan Singh.” He also called his commentaries on the Indian economy “opportunistic”.
“Raghuram Rajan, former RBI Governor, a Congress appointee, joining Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra is not a surprise. He fancies himself as the next Manmohan Singh. Just, that his commentary on India’s economy should be discarded with disdain. It is coloured and opportunistic,” said BJP leader Amit Malviya.It is no secret that the BJP was uncomfortable with Rajan, who allegedly not towing the line of new Modi government at the Centre as the RBI governor. He came under sharp criticism from many, including Subramaniam Swami and Nirmala Sitharaman.
Differences over an enlarged role for the Reserve Bank, including a proposed cabinet post for the governor, but the government wasn’t interested, was well known. There were also insinuations about Rajan’s credentials and even loyalties. Rajan received degrees from prestigious universities in India and the United States and taught finance at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. Rajan also spoke publicly about issues of intolerance in India following the deadly attacks last fall on Muslims over bans on beef that exist across the country where a Hindu majority considers cows sacred.To this the BJP MP Subramanian Swamy unleashing a no-holds-barred attack on during that time, accusing Rajan for wrecking the economy with his interest rate policy and then said the RBI Chief was “mentally not Indian,” was also no secret.
The fact that Rajan holds a Green Card, a document that gives legal permanent resident status to someone in the U.S., was also raised as if to suggest it compromised allegiance to India.
The lack of any robust condemnation of the Swammy’s remarks by the government is said by Indian media to have persuaded Rajan and his closest associates against seeking a second term. Rajan made clear, however, there was plenty left to do, including clearing the massive bad loans burdening India’s banks.
The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is set to conclude in Kashmir – likely on Republic Day next year, has seen several guests joining from different walks of life.Activist Medha Patkar, self-styled godman Namdev Das Tyagi (popularly known as Computer Baba), actor Swara Bhasker, and boxer Vijender Singh are among those who participated in Gandhi’s yatra over the past few months.
