Allegations of a derogatory comparison have surfaced as former Finance Secretary, Arvind Mayaram, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi compared former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel to a snake during a meeting. These startling claims have reignited a political controversy and drawn widespread attention.
Mayaram, who served as the Finance Secretary during the previous government, made the revelation during an interview with a prominent news channel. He alleged that the incident occurred during a high-level meeting where the government was discussing economic policies.
According to Mayaram, Prime Minister Modi used the metaphor of a snake to describe Patel’s approach to managing the country’s financial system. The alleged comment reportedly pertained to differences of opinion between the RBI and the government on key policy matters.
Urjit Patel, who served as the RBI Governor from 2016 to 2018, had a tenure marked by significant developments, including the contentious issue of central bank autonomy. His resignation in late 2018 raised questions about the relationship between the government and the RBI.
Mayaram’s claims have elicited strong reactions from various political quarters, with opposition leaders demanding an explanation from the government. The allegations have sparked debates on social media and in the press, with some questioning the appropriateness of using such language in a high-level meeting.
The government has not yet issued an official response to Mayaram’s allegations. However, supporters of Prime Minister Modi argue that the claims may be politically motivated, given the upcoming elections and the ongoing political climate.
Urjit Patel’s Silence
Urjit Patel himself has refrained from commenting on the matter, choosing to maintain a low profile since his departure from the RBI. Nevertheless, the allegations have placed a renewed focus on the often intricate relationship between the central bank and the government.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum and professionalism in high-level government meetings. It also highlights the challenges of managing differing viewpoints within the realms of finance and economics, which often have significant implications for a country’s economic stability and growth.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether further developments will shed light on the alleged comments made during the meeting. Regardless of the outcome, Mayaram’s claims have opened up a new chapter in the ongoing discourse on the relationship between the government and the RBI and the complexities involved in economic policy decisions.
