(L-R) PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Veteran BJP leader Dr. Subramanian Swamy
In the second part of the five-part news series covering the explosive podcast by Dr. Subramanian Swamy on Molitics YouTube channel, the veteran BJP leader continues his bold, unfiltered criticism of the party’s top leadership. Released on June 17, 2025, the podcast, hosted by Neeraj Jha, has gone viral for its raw and hard-hitting political revelations.
After discussing a likely major shake-up in the BJP leadership in Part 1, this part focuses on Swamy’s account of Narendra Modi’s rise to power, the role of Arun Jaitley and Amit Shah, internal fear within BJP, and counters to allegations that he sought ministerial posts but was sidelined.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the second part of the series:
The Rise of Modi: “Jaitley Was the Manager”
When asked about Modi’s image as a strong leader backed by slogans like the “56-inch chest” and nationalism, Swamy explained how Modi came to the centre stage.
Swamy said there were limited options at that time. Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s health was declining, and L.K. Advani discredited himself politically after praising Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a “secular” figure during his Pakistan visit.
Among the remaining leaders, Narendra Modi stood out due to his strong propaganda machinery in Gujarat, and no one was ready to challenge him, Swamy said. He revealed that Arun Jaitley played a key behind-the-scenes role, saying,
“Jaitley arranged everything. He was Modi’s manager.”
Amit Shah and Judge Loya Case: “Everyone in BJP Believes It”
In a highly controversial moment in the podcast, Swamy responded to a question about Amit Shah’s influence in the party by saying:
“If you want to kill someone, then Amit Shah.”
He then brought up the Judge B.H. Loya death case, where suspicions had earlier surfaced about foul play during the hearing of a case involving Shah.
Swamy alleged, “Everyone in our party believes that Amit Shah was the one who committed the murder.”
When the host asked why the party would continue to support a leader suspected by its own members, Swamy replied bluntly, “I am helpless in this.”
His Long Relationship with Modi: “He’s Not the Same Man”
Swamy shared personal anecdotes from the early 1970s, claiming he had known Modi since his days in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
He recalled how Modi used to carry his bags from the railway station when he visited Gujarat to deliver lectures.
But Swamy said that Modi changed after gaining power:
“He changed after becoming big. Everything was hidden earlier.”
He drew a dramatic analogy:
“We speak of Rama. Rama went and fought Ravan to bring his wife back. Modi is doing the opposite. He made his wife run away and does not bring her back even after becoming Prime Minister.”
“Everyone Wants a Post. That’s Why No One Speaks”
Swamy blamed the culture of fear and opportunism within the BJP for the silence of other leaders.
“Everyone is afraid. Everyone wants a post. That’s why no one dares to speak.”
Countering Claims of Ministerial Greed: “I’ve Held Portfolios Before”
Addressing the common perception that Swamy was sidelined in BJP because he demanded a ministry and didn’t get it, he firmly denied the charge, calling it “propaganda.”
He explained that he had already held powerful roles in earlier governments:
During Chandra Shekhar’s time, he was given two portfolios, including Law Minister.
Under Narasimha Rao, he had significant influence. Rao offered him a position despite Swamy refusing to join Congress.
“At least five ministries were under me. Narasimha Rao would call me every day at 5 pm to discuss the country,” he said.
Swamy also mentioned his close relationship with Rajiv Gandhi, who tried to get him into the Congress fold.
“I told him, you are fine. But those who will come after you will not be fine,” he said, suggesting his long-term disapproval of the Congress system.
