Governance and Indian Nationalism (GAIN)

Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a noted economist and former Member of Parliament, has long championed a series of bold economic reforms aimed at catalyzing India's growth. His suggestions include the abolition of income tax, reducing the prime lending rate to as low as 5%, enhancing returns on fixed deposits, and the liberal printing of currency for infrastructure development. These propositions have parallels in global economic practices that merit a closer look for their potential benefits. Abolition of Income Tax Dr. Swamy's call to abolish personal income tax is anticipated to significantly boost savings and consumption. He argues that with the removal of income tax, people would have more disposable income, encouraging higher savings rates, which could be channeled into investments. Although no major economy has entirely abolished personal income tax, there are instances where countries have significantly reduced tax rates or complexity to stimulate economic activity. For example,...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States has sparked considerable debate and criticism, particularly concerning the trade agreements he has signed. While the visit was heralded as a step forward in strengthening US-India relations, the outcomes suggest a narrative more aligned with concessions rather than mutual benefits. Expensive Energy Commitments First and foremost, the decision to increase imports of US oil and gas is a move fraught with economic implications for India. Traditionally, India has sourced much of its oil from countries like Russia and the Middle East, where prices are often more competitive. By committing to a significant uptick in US oil and gas imports, Modi has potentially locked India into purchasing more expensive energy resources. This could exacerbate India's trade deficit, putting additional strain on the country's foreign exchange reserves. Critics argue that this decision reflects not a strategic energy policy but rather ...

Dr. Subramanian Swamy's Swadeshi Plan, first proposed in 1970, aimed to boost India's economic growth to 10% annually. It challenged the prevailing socialist model by advocating for a competitive market economy. Key elements included self-reliance, full employment, and nuclear capability development. Dr. Swamy argued that socialism, as implemented in India, stifled growth and innovation, pointing to the Nehruvian growth rate of 3.5% as evidence of its failure. He suggested replacing centralized planning with a decentralized, incentive-driven system, emphasizing agriculture, savings, and technology to counter diminishing returns.  The plan was presented at the request of Jan Sangh leaders like Nanaji Deshmukh and Jagannath Rao Joshi. It faced sharp criticism from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who labeled it "dangerous" on the Lok Sabha floor in March 1970. Despite this, Dr. Swamy later influenced economic reforms as Commerce Minister under Chandra Shekhar, laying groun...

Dr. Subramanian Swamy's contributions to India's 1991 economic reforms deserve a closer look, especially for their intellectual and strategic depth at a time of national crisis. His efforts laid critical ground w ork, for enabling India' s economic growth. In 1990-91, India was on the brink of economic collapse. Foreign exchange reserves had dwindled to a mere $1 billion, barely enough to cover two weeks of imports. The Gulf War exacerbated the situation, with rising oil prices and the loss of remittances from Indian workers in the Middle East. As Minister of Commerce and Law in the Chandra Shekhar government , Dr. Swamy was thrust into this maelstrom. Recognizing the urgency, he drafted a comprehensive reform blueprint that included deregulation, dismantling the license raj , and opening up to foreign investment —ideas that were radical for a country steeped in decades of socialist policies.  Dr. Swamy's foresight was evident in his ability to connect immediate crisis...

In a significant legal ruling, the Supreme Court of India today upheld the HC ruling allowing scientific survey of disputed site at Gyanvapi in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Gyanvapi is situated adjacent to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple and has been a subject of contention between different religious communities. The mosque's structure is said to have been built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on the site of an ancient Hindu temple. It is believed that the current structure is built on a pre-existing Hindu structure. A three-judge bench, headed by the Chief Justice of India, delivered the verdict in a packed courtroom. The court ordered that ASI can perform scientific investigation through non-invasive methodology without excavation. The ASI's involvement aims to bring a comprehensive and unbiased understanding of the historical layers of the site. It is expected that the archaeological survey will play a crucial role in shedding light on the site's past, ...

In one of the VHS programs, Words of Wisdom, Dr. Swamy stated that Aditya Thackeray may have had flings but his chances of being part of SSR murder are remote. This single statement of Dr. Swamy has been blown out of proportion to spread rumors having no basis. One must understand that Dr. Swamy is a constitutionalist and won't give in to rumor-mongering based on public perceptions. Moreover, the court of law works based on facts & evidence and not due to likes, dislikes, or preferences of the general public. Therefore, from a legal standpoint, Dr. Subramanian Swamy took the most appropriate stand on Aditya Thackerey. After Sushant Singh Rajput's murder, none of the political leaders from BJP and Congress were willing to take a stand. Only Dr. Subramanian Swamy came to the rescue of SSR fans.  The seasoned professor/politician promised CBI inquiry for SSR, which was duly achieved after a persistent social media campaign and a phone conversation between Dr. Swamy...

Dr. Swamy's political life is characterized by fighting lone battles, defending individual rights, exposing corruption, and standing for truth even at the cost of facing unjustified criticism, yet never appearing conciliatory against his opponents.  His distinguished contributions make him the most unique politician in the country. Although it is difficult to do justice to Dr. Swamy's contributions in a single article, the following points will provide a broad overview of his achievements: - No politician, whether from BJP or Congress, has to his credit opening of a religious site as prominent as Kailash Mansarovar due to individual efforts. -  Dr. Swamy is the only politician fighting for freeing Hindu temples from state control. In TN, Kerala, Andhra, and Uttarakhand, he is legally involved in cases for the removal of state control of Hindu temples.  -  Dr. Swamy along with his associate and ace lawyer, TG Mohandas is fighting for freeing Devasom Board ...