Swamy hurting investment sentiment in India, abroad: Mohandas Pai

The Narendra Modi government’s maverick MP Subramanian Swamy’s rant against Arvind Subramanian, the chief economic advisor has brought back a situation of fear and uncertainty with regard to the government and captains that drive major policies of the country.

Swamy has asked for Subramanian to be sacked.

Guess who encouraged Congi to become rigid on GST clauses ? Jaitely's economic adviser Arvind Subramanian of Washington DC

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) June 22, 2016

Mohandas Pai, formerly on the board of directors at Infosys and currently chairman of Manipal Global Education said that he has been getting several calls from investors abroad and also from Indian industries wondering about the current state of affair where people holding positions in government are being publicly abused. “It is worrisome,” said Pai.

Conceding that is is the government’s prerogative to choose whoever they deem fit for the job and bring in new faces, what Pai is vociferous about is the manner in which the excercise is being conducted. He suggests the government can remove people from posts in a ‘graceful’ manner.

“To abuse someone who is associated with you and make public allegations, talk all kinds of silly things and then create an environment of fear and abuse is not good for India. It gives us a bad reputation and that is something that we certainly do not want. It is pushing us back. All of us want to see our country to do well. Modi has gone overseas and worked very hard and brought so many policies that is good for the country. This is not warranted.”

When Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan decided not to go in for a second term, it was explained by Arun Jaitley, finance minister in an interview, said Pai. “We can certainly say that the government should have been more vociferous about it, but well, that is over now. It is a very sad episode though. But now at least, this public tirade against government officials should stop,” he added.

Swamy has made public his intentions of going for the jugular on a few targets. “If someone says I am going after 25 and 27 secretaries, then tell me why will anyone work in the government? If secretaries and government staff stop working, how will the country function?” asked Pai.

When asked would Swamy take on people publicly without the tacit support of the government, Pai refused to consider the suggestion.

“I don’t want to speculate whether Swamy is doing it on his own or otherwise. It is unnecessary. We are all worried about the what is happening in the country. All this is creating a climate of uncertainty. We want the country to go forward. We want good policies. FDI was announced two days ago and textiles today. We want to see good work being done. These sorts of announcements and public humiliation is unnecessary, and diverts attention from the good things.People are worried about stability of policies and people in the government. People trust people and such an atmosphere creates uncertainty. Hence, the government has to step in and clear the air.”

Will someone stand up in the Modi government before Swamy dents its reputation further with his uncontrollable tongue and bizarre pronouncements?