Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, for the first time addressed the scrapping of the electoral bonds scheme by the Supreme Court, dismissing claims that it dealt a blow to his administration. He stated that “no system is perfect and that any shortcomings could be improved upon”.
PM Modi warned that those who are “dancing” over the matter will repent it.
Also Read:President Murmu confers Bharat Ratna upon LK Advani
The apex court on February 15, declared the 2018-introduced electoral bond scheme unconstitutional and directed the State Bank of India and the Election Commission of India to disclose all information concerning bonds purchased and redeemed since April 2019.
During an interview with a Tamil channel, Thanthi TV, when asked if the disclosure of electoral bond details has harmed the ruling BJP, he responded, “Tell me what have we done that I should see it as a setback? I firmly believe that those dancing over it (bond details) and taking pride in it are going to repent.”
The Prime Minister said that because of the electoral bond system his government made, we can now figure out where the money for elections comes from and who gets it. He asked if anyone could do this before he became PM in 2014.
“No system is perfect. There can be shortcomings which could be improved upon,” he admitted.
Opposition parties have seized upon revelations following the Supreme Court order, which mandated the public disclosure of all information related to electoral bonds, labelling anonymous funding practices as unconstitutional, to criticize the government. Numerous companies facing criminal investigations have been identified as significant purchasers of these bonds.
Also Read:‘To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture’: PM Modi on lawyers’ letter to CJI
During the interview, PM Modi emphasised that not every action he takes should be politicized, stating that his endeavours are aimed at the betterment of the nation and that Tamil Nadu is a crucial asset.
He dismissed the notion that electoral gains are his primary concern, citing extensive efforts made by his government in the northeast, with ministers visiting the region over 150 times and himself making more visits than all previous prime ministers combined.
“Just because I am a politician does not mean I work only to win elections. Tamil Nadu has huge potential which must not be wasted,” he said.
BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) brings together different groups in society and represents the hopes of people, Modi remarked, further stating that the votes it will receive in Tamil Nadu won’t be against the DMK but in favour of the BJP.
Modi also praised the Tamil Nadu BJP president, K Annamalai, for attracting young people. He remarked that if money and corruption were his motivations, he could have joined the DMK.
“Viksit Bharat means that every corner of the country should be a recipient of development. I believe that Tamil Nadu has the potential to become the driving force behind our dream of a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Expressing concern over the politicization of the Tamil language, Modi slammed the opposition parties for accusing the BJP of neglecting regional languages. He suggested that just as Tamil cuisine has gained global recognition, the Tamil language should also be promoted globally.