Shaktikanta Das: A Brief Introduction, Education, and Experience
Shaktikanta Das, born on February 26, 1957, is a seasoned Indian bureaucrat and one of the country’s most prominent financial administrators. A 1980-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, Das holds a Master’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and has built a career spanning over four decades in public service. His extensive experience includes key roles in both central and state governments, such as Economic Affairs Secretary, Revenue Secretary, and Fertilizers Secretary. His tenure as the 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from December 2018 to December 2024 is the second longest in the history of RBI governor tenures.
Das’ Longest Tenure as RBI Governor Under Modi
Shaktikanta Das’ six-year tenure as RBI Governor, the longest under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, stands out in India’s central banking history, reflecting his deep alignment with the Modi government. It’s worth noting that his predecessor, Urjit Patel, resigned in 2018 precisely because he resisted pressure from the Modi government to hand over a hefty dividend from the RBI’s reserves—a payout Das later facilitated, which could have been avoided had the central bank pushed back.
Appointment as Principal Secretary-2 Amid Trump’s Claim: A Coincidence or Connection?
On February 22, 2025, the Indian government announced Shaktikanta Das’ appointment as Principal Secretary-2 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, effective immediately. This move coincided strikingly with a claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, on the same day earlier, alleged during a campaign rally that Modi had received US$21 million in kickbacks for increasing voter turnout in India. Trump’s assertion, has sparked global speculation about potential financial or political linkages between the Modi government and international figures.
The timing of Das’ appointment raises eyebrows: Could it be a strategic move to position a trusted bureaucrat—known for his ability to handle sensitive financial and political matters—in a pivotal role amid these allegations? While no direct evidence links Das’ appointment to Trump’s claim, the coincidence fuels speculation about whether Das’ expertise in navigating complex financial and legal challenges makes him the “perfect man” for managing fallout or protecting interests in this alleged scandal.
Das’ Association with Chidambaram and the Aircel-Maxis Scandal: Dr. Subramanian Swamy’s Exposé
Shaktikanta Das’ past as Revenue Secretary under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, particularly during P. Chidambaram’s tenure as Finance Minister, has long been a point of contention. The Aircel-Maxis scandal, a high-profile case of alleged corruption, foreign exchange irregularities, and money laundering, centers on a 2006 telecom deal where Malaysia’s Maxis Communications acquired a 74% stake in Aircel. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have probed claims that Chidambaram, as Finance Minister, improperly influenced the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to approve the transaction, allegedly receiving kickbacks funneled through his son, Karti Chidambaram, and others.
Dr. Subramanian Swamy, a prominent BJP leader and economist, has been instrumental in exposing Das’ alleged role in shielding Chidambaram during this scandal. Dr. Swamy, known for his relentless pursuit of corruption cases, has accused Das—then Revenue Secretary—of obstructing investigations, delaying action, and burying evidence to protect Chidambaram.
The Aircel-Maxis case remains unresolved, with the Delhi High Court staying trial court proceedings against Chidambaram in November 2024, pending prosecution sanction under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Das’ Latest Appointment
Shaktikanta Das’ appointment as Principal Secretary-2 on the same day as Trump’s explosive claim about Modi receiving US$21 million in kickbacks invites speculation about a deeper connection. Das’ track record—marked by his alleged ability to manage sensitive financial and legal challenges, as seen in the Aircel-Maxis case—positions him as a potential asset for the Modi government if faced with international scrutiny or allegations of financial impropriety.
If Trump’s claims hold any truth, Das’ expertise in navigating complex monetary policies, foreign exchange regulations, and money laundering investigations could be seen as invaluable. His past association with Chidambaram and the allegations of protecting him in the Aircel-Maxis scandal suggest a pattern: Das may be viewed as the “perfect man” for jobs requiring discreet handling of politically sensitive financial matters. Whether his role as Principal Secretary-2 is intended to shield the Modi government from Trump’s allegations or manage any related fallout remains speculative but plausible, given the timing and Das’ history.
Conclusion
Shaktikanta Das’ sudden rise to Principal Secretary-2, amid Trump’s controversial kickback claims and his own murky past in the Aircel-Maxis scandal, has thrust him into the center of a political storm. Dr. Subramanian Swamy’s exposé of his alleged role in shielding P. Chidambaram has cast a shadow over his appointment. As India grapples with these allegations, the public and political scrutiny will likely intensify, with Dr. Swamy’s voice continuing to demand transparency and accountability in this unfolding saga.
