New Delhi, June 27

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned BJP MP Subramanian Swamy's attack on Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan and top finance ministry officials, saying "it was not right".

"Whether it is in my party or not, I think things like these are not good," Modi told TimesNow news channel in an interview. He said the remarks were not fair and the "desire for publicity will not do any good to the nation".

"If anybody considers himself bigger than the system, it's not correct," he added.

Modi was asked whether it was appropriate that despite he putting forth seven "mantras" before BJP leaders and workers during the National Executive meet at Allahabad, "your Rajya Sabha MP" has been attacking Rajan and other government officials.

"My message is very clear. I have no confusion about it," Modi said when asked whether his message on the issue is clear.

The Prime Minister also said he had no doubts about Rajan's patriotism.

"I appreciate the work done by him and his love for the country is unquestionable. His services, even after he retires, will be available to the nation."

Modi also said that when his government took over in May 2014, there was a perception that Rajan would not be allowed to complete his term as the RBI governor, but it was proved otherwise.

"There was a strong perception that Rajan would be removed soon after the new government takes over, but this did not happen and he is completing his term," he said, adding that all misconceptions have been proved wrong.

Swamy has publicly attacked Rajan saying he was "mentally not fully Indian". He also wrote to the Prime Minister demanding that Rajan be denied an extension. Later, Rajan announced that he was not taking a second term.

Swamy had also demanded removal of Chief Economic Advisor alleging that Arvind Subramanian had asked the US Congress that it should act against India to defend US pharmaceuticals interests.

Swamy also targeted Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has strongly backed Subramanian and Das.

Don't make heroes of those who make extreme comments: Modi

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that "heroes should not be made out of hotheads who make extreme comments" and also emphasised that "development was the only solution to all tension that people talk about".

"I am of the firm belief that the nation should progress on the issue of development. And it is necessary that the country moves forward on the issue of development. I would like to tell the media not to make heroes out of those people who make such comments," said Modi in his interview to TimesNow.

"But why do you make them so big? I see such statements by people on TV, whose faces I haven't even seen and they end up becoming spokesmen on TV. I don't know why such people are encouraged. Don't make them heroes, they will stop," he added.

He said this when asked if the agenda of development was being hijacked by people in the Bharatiya Janata Party who make extreme comments.

"It's my conviction, it's my commitment. You must have seen during the 2014 elections that I fought elections on the issue of development. The new generation of the country only believes in development. 

"I believe that solution to all problems is in development. Development is also the solution to the tension that people talk about. If we provide employment to people, if we ensure there's food on their plates, if we provide them with facilities and give them education, all the tension will end," said Modi.

Modi further said: "All those who want good for the nation, I request them to compete towards development and for development. This atmosphere should be created in the country and I think such an environment is being created nowadays."