New Delhi: In an apparent reference to the recent corruption cases against leaders of the Trinamool Congress and the RJD, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the political class to join hands against those seeking an escape route by dubbing action against graft as a political conspiracy.
Addressing an all-party meet ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning on Monday, he said action against corrupt politicians is a must.
“When the law takes its course against those who loot the nation, then we have to unite against those who seek an escape route by dubbing such an action as a political conspiracy,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
Modi said that action against corrupt politicians was a must to ensuring integrity in public life. “Every party should identify such leaders amongst themselves and disassociate itself from them,” he said. He also lamented that for the past few decades, the reputation of the political class has been at stake due to the behaviour of some politicians. "We will have to assure the people that not all politicians are tainted," Modi said.
The PM's remarks came against the backdrop of Trinamool Congress and RJD dubbing the action against their leaders by law enforcement agencies over alleged corruption as political conspiracy. Opposition parties have often alleged that successive governments have used the CBI and other agencies as a political tool to arm-twist political rivals.
Responding to the PM’s comments, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told News18 that BJP should first sack its own tainted leaders. “The PM can point at any leader. But he needs to know that charity begins at home. Why aren’t those in BJP accused of scams punished? What action has been taken in the PDS scam or Vyapam scam? Why has no action been taken action against Raje and Lalit Modi?” he asked.
He further said that nearly 150 BJP MPs have at least one criminal charge against them. “It just goes on to prove that there is a gap in rhetoric and reality for the PM,” said Surjewala.
Modi also mentioned the presidential poll to be held on Monday and said it would have been very good had a consensus been reached on the candidate. He, however, said "high level of dignity" has been maintained by both sides during the campaign and no "ill will or bad language" has been used. He said all political parties must ensure that everybody votes and no vote is wasted.
While the ruling BJP-led NDA has named Ram Nath Kovind as its candidate, the Congress-led group of opposition parties has pitted Meira Kumar against Kovind, who has a big numerical advantage over his rival.
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