Central agencies have free hand in investigating corruption: PM Modi

PM Modi's comments come amid allegations by the Opposition of the government's misuse of central agencies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was speaking at a media conclave on Saturday (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday asserted that under his governance, central agencies have been given a free hand in investigating corruption.

Speaking at the India Today conclave, PM Modi said, “One big aspect of our governance has been zero tolerance towards corruption. All agencies have a free hand in investigating corruption. For instance, till 2014, as many as 1,800 cases were registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). If the agencies were independent, what was the need to stop them? I said I will not interfere in their work… In the last 10 years, 4,700 cases were registered. While the ED had seized only Rs 5,000 crore till 2014, it has attached assets worth over Rs 1 lakh crore in the last ten years.”

The Prime Minister’s comments come amid allegations by the Opposition of the government’s misuse of central agencies. The Opposition has also raised questions over the corporations, who were facing probes by the ED, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Income-Tax department and have donated to political parties via the electoral bonds scheme.

PM Modi added, “When the investigation is so fast-paced, it’s understandable that it will cause problems for some people. This is why they are running campaigns day and night to abuse me.”

Speaking about the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi stated, “This is election time, our Opposition is weaving dreams on paper, but Modi works on resolutions.

“You are stuck on ’29? I am working towards 2047,” he quipped.

“While world is gripped with uncertainty, it is certain that India will continue to grow at a fast pace,” PM Modi added.

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