PM Narendra Modi Exclusive: Ahead of the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke exclusively to ABP Network, expressing confidence in securing a thumping majority for a third term. While the elections were the primary focus, PM Modi also discussed his management style, his team, the Opposition, and various other topics.
The interview, conducted by Suman De of ABP Ananda and Rohit Sawal and Romana Isar Khan of ABP News, also covered his commitment to recover "Rs 3,000 crore lost in corruption" in Bengal.
Reflecting on the anti-corruption efforts of his government, PM Modi stated, "Irrespective of any political party and ideology, Small fish got caught while big sharks escaped earlier." He expressed astonishment at being questioned about targeting the big fish, emphasising that the public should applaud the efforts of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for their work.
Highlighting the scale of corruption unearthed during his tenure, PM Modi remarked, "Mountains of currency notes are being displayed in front of the camera, how can we deny it?". He revealed that from 2004 to 2014, the ED seized Rs 34 lakh, while from 2014 to 2024, Rs 2,200 crore had been seized. PM Modi underscored the significance of these revelations and urged the public not to turn a blind eye to corruption.
Asserting his commitment to accountability and justice, PM Modi declared, "Now the country is watching. You cannot abuse and say that the wrong action has been taken. Big names are behind bars... whether I know or not, those who have committed sins will face consequences."
PM Modi underscored the government's resolve to tackle corruption and ensure that ill-gotten gains are returned to the rightful owners.
‘Looted Money Should Be Returned’: PM Modi On Seizures In Corruption Cases
Expanding on his vision for returning the looted money to the people, PM Modi declared, "The government doesn't have money to fill its treasury, whether someone loots a house or the government loots, it doesn't matter. People will care when they get their money back. My belief is that looted money should be returned." He emphasised the importance of a clear money trail, stating, "There should be a definite money trail, and it is possible (to return the money)".
PM Modi also highlighted specific instances of corruption in various states, including Bihar and West Bengal. "In Bihar, land was given before jobs. I asked if we could return the land. In Bengal, there is an official rate card for becoming a teacher. I told my party to form a legal team to ensure that those with genuine qualifications keep their jobs, but those who are unqualified should be removed."
Discussing the assets seized by the government, PM Modi said, "The government has seized Rs 3,000 crore and attached properties worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore. In Kerala, there is a big scam in cooperative banks run mostly by LDF members. It's the hard-earned money of the middle class, and the banks are failing. I ordered the attachment of the accused's property, and it has been done".
PM Modi highlighted the government's efforts to return the seized money to the people, stating, "We have already returned Rs 1,700 crore, the people's money should go back to them". He mentioned the transition from the Indian Penal Code to Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita effective from July 1, which he said would eventually facilitate the extraction of seized property in an expedited manner.