‘Every Agency Totally Free To…’: PM Modi Hits Out At Oppn Over Criticism Of ED, CBI Raids

PM Modi hailed the Enforcement Directorate for 'stringent and unwavering' action against corruption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that zero tolerance towards corruption was a key aspect of his governance and that to act against corruption, every agency is totally free. Speaking at a conclave of the 'India Today' group, the Prime Minister said that he is driven by "nation first" and, without naming the opposition, added that they are guided by a "family first" approach.

Hailing the Enforcement Directorate for "stringent and unwavering" action against corruption, PM Modi highlighted that the probe agency was not allowed to work before 2014. 

Speaking at the India Today coclave, PM Modi said, "Let's take the Enforcement Directorate. Until 2014, under PMLA, 1,800 cases were registered. In the last 10 years, 4,700 cases have been registered. Until 2014, only assets worth Rs 5,000 crore were attached, but in 10 years, it has increased to assets worth over one lakh crore." He further stated that prosecution complaints have also increased 10 times.

The Prime Minister further said, "The ED has arrested several individuals involved in terror financing, cybercrime, and narcotics, and has busted large-scale crimes and attached wealth totaling over Rs 1000 crore." "It is natural to cause problems for some people," he said.

PM Modi took a swipe at the opposition parties and said that because of the strict action taken by the ED, they are engaged in abusing Modi day and night. But the nation tells them,'so sorry'." Speaking at the India Today Conclave, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the opposition and said, "In this election time, the opposition is weaving dreams by calculating on paper, while Modi has gone beyond dreams to guarantees."

The Prime Minister exuded confidence in his government retaining power in the upcoming polls and said that the people will see decisive policies and decisions being made in the next five years, and he has been working on them. He further stated that the next five years will be a guarantee of a stable, capable, and strong India to the world, while development will be taken to new heights.