Politics
Modi Defends ED Independence, Electoral Bonds: Warns Critics of Repentanc
Modi Defends ED Independence, Electoral Bonds: Warns Critics of Repentanc
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to questions about opposition parties’ allegations that the BJP was using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to intimidate its rivals in an interview conducted just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections. He described the ED as an “independent organization” that acts only after “various vigilance and investigation departments of the country file cases.”
The prime minister told Thanthi TV, a news channel based in Chennai, that the electoral bond data is only public because of him, when asked if it had damaged his party’s reputation. He added, “those dancing” around the issue will “repent later.”
Before 2014, how many elections were held? During those elections, didn’t money change hands? I would like to know where the money came from. You can look up who purchased electoral bonds and where the money was spent because Modi established them. Any plan will have certain flaws, and if they are fixed, people will enjoy it,” the man stated.
In response to inquiries concerning the ED, Modi stated that just 3% of the 7,000 cases the organization handles have a political component. He declared, “ED is an independent organization; we just don’t stop it from doing its work.”
In response to the opposition’s inquiry as to why the agency has not taken action against any BJP leaders, Modi stated that the process is the same regardless of a person’s political affiliation. “ED is unable to submit a case. Only after cases are filed by the nation’s various vigilance and investigation departments will the ED act.
He added that he is thinking of taking legal action to get the money that the ED took back to the original owners. “We have given the people back Rs 17,000 crore so far.”
The Prime Minister also mentioned in the interview how much he loved Tamil Nadu’s people. Recalling his connection with the late J. Jayalalithaa, the previous chief minister, he stated that the AIADMK members ought to feel sorry for themselves for not being able to realize their leader’s aspirations.
Also Read: Atishi Warns of ED Arrests: Join BJP or Face Detainment, Alleges AAP Leader
“I have been friendly with Amma Jayalalithaa since 1995.” Upon my appointment as chief minister in 2002, I faced numerous accusations. She did, however, go to the swearing-in event. Regarding AIADMK cutting its links with the BJP-led NDA alliance, he responded, “Now we have no reason to regret, and it should be AIADMK workers regretting their decision.”
Following the demise of Jayalalithaa in 2016, the AIADMK united with the BJP to contest both the 2021 assembly elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The party formally declared its intention to break its connections with the BJP-led NDA in September 2023.
