Amid the ongoing debate over central agencies being misused against opposition parties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rejected the allegations and asserted that bodies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) operate independently. PM Modi emphasised that neither he nor his government interferes with the working and actions of ED, advocating for their independent functioning to be evaluated by the judiciary.
While speaking on the issue, the prime minister highlighted that out of around 7,000 cases handled by the ED, less than 3 percent involve politicians and only 3 percent are politically related.
“Currently, ED has around 7,000 cases, of which less than 3 per cent involve politicians. Out of these 7,000 cases, only 3 per cent are politically related. During their (Opposition) 10-year rule, the amount of money they seized was only Rs 35 lakh, while we have seized Rs 2,200 crore,” Modi said.
He also criticised the past government for attempting to hinder anti-corruption measures through the judiciary, asserting that his government’s commitment to combating corruption remains steadfast.
‘Regardless of party, process is same’
Regarding the perception that agencies target only opposition leaders, Modi clarified that the process remains the same regardless of the political party. Furthermore, he also threw light on the process and said ED cannot initiate cases independently; it requires cases to be filed by various departments first.
“Regardless of the party, the process is the same. ED cannot initiate any case on its own; various departments need to file the cases first, then ED takes action… The PMLA law has existed since before, but they did not use it. Over 150 court cases were filed to exempt the PMLA law, and they even went to the Supreme Court to remove or retain an officer. They used the judiciary as a weapon because they know Modi’s actions against corruption won’t stop. They think they can stop these organisations through the courts,” he said.
‘Party asked me to contest’
When asked about his candidature, initially speculated from Tamil Nadu, Modi revealed that contesting elections was not part of his original plan, however, the party requested him to contest, which has been the norm.
“I had other plans. It was not my plan but the party asked me to contest. That is how it has always been. There is nothing like a contest from a particular place… I never did politics with a personal motive,” he said.
In the interview, Modi also hit back at opposition parties and highlighted his annoyance towards dynasty politics, advocating for a more democratic setup. While he clarified that he does not oppose multiple family members entering politics, he criticised the undemocratic practice of a single family controlling a party for its own benefit.
“I do not call it dynasty politics. But a single family controlling a party for its own gains, and the family members alone becoming the next-generation leaders is what family dynasty is. That undemocratic system has to end,” he said.
When asked about his message for the DMK, Modi stated that Tamil people are prepared to send them a strong message, indicating his confidence in the electorate’s discernment. The Prime Minister said, “They don’t need my advice. Tamil people are all set to give them a strong message.”
Modi said the aim of 400 seats is not an ambitious goal set by him but a wish of the people. But he also refused to comment about his poll expectations in Tamil Nadu. “First of all, I don’t look at Tamil Nadu with a vote motive. I see the state with huge respect for their tradition, culture, and language,” he said.