Speaking at the India Today summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that government agencies now have the independence to look into cases of corruption. PM Modi stressed that authorities like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Income-Tax department function without interference, underscoring his government’s zero-tolerance approach towards corruption.
PM Modi provided data to back up his assertion, stating that prior to 2014, the Enforcement Department (ED) had filed 1,800 cases in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and had confiscated assets valued at Rs 5,000 crore. On the other hand, the ED has filed 4,700 cases and attached assets worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore in the last ten years. He proposed that the rise in inquiries and asset seizures is a reflection of the agency’ increased effectiveness and independence.
These remarks coincide with accusations made by the opposition that the administration is targeting its enemies by abusing central agencies. Concerns regarding corporations under investigation giving to political parties under the electoral bonds program have been voiced by opposition parties. In response to these claims, Prime Minister Modi stated that some people find the probes’ quick pace uncomfortable, which in turn prompts criticism and campaigns against him.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed in the Rajya Sabha that his government is dedicated to eliminating corruption and that it will not pardon anybody found guilty. He recounted earlier incidents in which opposition leaders had charged the Congress-led UPA government of mishandling investigating agencies prior to 2014. He brought up the accusations made by the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mulayam Singh Yadav, against the Congress, as well as the 2013 Supreme Court ruling that referred to the CBI as a “caged parrot.”
Opposition MPs, led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, regularly interrupted Prime Minister Modi’s speech in the Rajya Sabha. In response, the opposition MPs organized a walkout and requested that the Leader of the Opposition be given the opportunity to speak. PM Modi chastised them for their behaviour, saying they were skirting the facts and not having a productive conversation.
PM Modi stressed that the long-term objectives and the advancement of the country continue to be the primary focus of his government as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near. He gave the country assurances of prosperity and stability despite the growing intensity of accusations and denials in the political atmosphere.
