Why Subramaniam Swamy’s Antagonism Towards Arun Jaitley Boils Down to Professional Rivalry

When it comes to political dramas in India, the relationship between Subramaniam Swamy and Arun Jaitley is like a scene right out of the Harry Potter series. Just as Severus Snape harbored animosity towards his rivals who he perceived to be superior to him, Subramaniam Swamy vehemently dislikes Arun Jaitley and others in the role of Finance Minister.

Professional Sniping

Swamy's antipathy towards Jaitley mirrors the way Severus Snape viewed his colleagues in the Defense against the Dark Arts position. While Swamy held high regard for former Finance Ministers like Manmohan Singh, known for his expertise in economics, his disdain for Jaitley and Nirmala Sitharaman, who are both lawyers, speaks volumes. This burning resentment stems from a perceived lack of knowledge and expertise, similar to how Snape viewed Quirrell, Lockhart, and Lupin in their respective capacities.

Historical Context

Swamy had a key role in leading India out of economic crises during the 1990-92 period, cementing his status as a highly regarded economist. His status as a well-known economist is beyond doubt, but his appointment as Finance Minister by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not come to pass. This has left Swamy with a profound sense of frustration and anger, seeing someone with no economic or financial background take over a crucial role.

Power Dynamics and Rivalry

Jaitley, despite not being an economist, is the current Finance Minister. This has only fueled the rivalry, as Swamy feels that the mantle should be his. When a person with a distinguished academic and professional background is overlooked for a position, and someone without a deep understanding of finance is placed in it, it's natural for professional rivalry to take center stage.

Other Perspectives

While Swamy's frustrations are understandable, it's important to note that there is a variety of good work that even Jaitley could do if he put his heart into it. This isn't to downplay Swamy's contributions, but to suggest that the situation is not black and white. As for Ram Jethmalani, his actions have shown an absurd level of maturity, as evidenced by his offer to defend someone for free if it is against Arun Jaitley, a clear indication of the bitterness in their relationship.

Conclusion

The animosity between Subramaniam Swamy and Arun Jaitley is fundamentally rooted in a professional rivalry. While Swamy excels in his field, Jaitley has the mandate and responsibility to perform in his role. Both have played crucial roles in the Indian economy, and the dynamic between them is an important aspect of Indian political life. Understanding this rivalry helps shed light on some of the more tense moments in Indian politics.