PM Modi addressed a conference on anti-corruption and surveillance (Archive)
New Delhi:
One day after the head of Congress, Sonia Gandhi, said that Indian democracy is at a “crossroads” and that “the pillars of a democratic system are under attack,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a not-so-subtle coup. the opposition party, attacking a “dynasty of corruption (that passed) from generation to generation … became part of the political tradition … makes the country empty.”
Addressing the National Conference on Monitoring and Combating Corruption via video link, the Prime Minister said that “entire generations of corruption” had acted with impunity and had gone unpunished but, under his rule, “the confidence of citizens in government has increased. “
“In past decades, we have seen that when one generation of corruption is not punished, others commit corruption with more power. That is why, in many states, it became part of the political tradition. This dynasty of corruption from generation to generation makes the hollow field, “said Prime Minister Modi.
“Today, citizens’ trust in government has increased. Old laws have been abolished to reduce undue pressure from the government. Efforts are being made to make life easier for citizens,” he added.
On Friday, in a Hindustan Times column, Ms Gandhi wrote: “The world’s largest democracy is at the crossroads. That the economy is in deep crisis is clear. But what is least appreciated is all the pillars. of a democratic system of government is under attack. “
It attacked the Narendra Modi government for stifling dissent (and calling it “anti-national” and “terrorism”) and using central investigative agencies such as the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate to “attack the political opposition.”
Ms Gandhi also previously accused the ruling JDU-BJP in Bihar, where the Assembly elections begin on Wednesday, of being “drunk with power and arrogance” and said that a “serious crisis” had affected the lives of farmers, Dalits and other marginalized members of society.
The acting head of Congress urged people in the state, where her party has allied itself with the Left and RJD groups of Tejashwi Yadav, to vote for a “new Bihar.”
The BJP and Congress routinely trade corruption allegations, with the latter party being quick to strike at any mention of the Rafale fighter jet deal and allegations that the government frames policies that benefit certain industrial and business groups.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi and other BJP leaders often allege that rampant corruption and political instability were hallmarks of congressional-led UPA governments.
Bihar votes for a new 243-member Assembly in three phases starting Wednesday, with the results to be delivered on November 10. In the first phase of voting, 71 seats will be contested.
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