Avinash Azad
In yet another explosive statement, BJP’s outspoken leader and former Rajya Sabha MP, Dr. Subramanian Swamy has stirred a fresh political storm by dragging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar into a controversy linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s multiple visits to China during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.
Speaking in his usual candid tone during an interaction, Swamy alleged that Modi, as Gujarat CM, visited China at least ten times in nine years and during those visits, S. Jaishankar—then a senior diplomat— “took care” of him. The former Union Minister, known for his frequent criticism of PM Modi despite being a BJP veteran, made a striking claim, saying, “Usne (Jaishankar) ne Modi ki Cheen mein aish karwayi. Baad mein Jaishankar ko External Affairs Minister bana diya gaya” (He, Jaishankar, ensured Modi enjoyed life in China. Later, he was made the External Affairs Minister).
Swamy’s remark is being interpreted as a veiled insinuation about the nature of the relationship between Modi and Jaishankar during the former’s chief ministerial visits abroad. He suggested that Jaishankar’s appointment as India’s top diplomat post-2019 was a “reward” for his prior services to Modi. The statement has already triggered sharp responses across political and diplomatic circles, with some viewing it as an unnecessary personal attack, while others say it raises questions on merit-based appointments in key positions.
Dr. Jaishankar, a former Foreign Secretary and career diplomat, was appointed as the External Affairs Minister in 2019, becoming one of the few non-political appointees to hold the position. He had earlier served as India’s ambassador to China and the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs has so far not responded to Swamy’s comments. Nor has the BJP officially reacted. Swamy, however, remains defiant. Known for his controversial takes and unfiltered criticism, even against his own party leadership, he has previously targeted PM Modi on issues ranging from economic policy to national security.
Observers note that while Swamy’s influence within the BJP has waned in recent years, his statements often grab media attention and occasionally force public clarification from the party or the government. As of now, the latest barb adds to the long list of intra-party tensions that the ruling BJP has sought to keep under wraps ahead of critical legislative and policy challenges.
