Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mentioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) operates independently and the central authorities doesn’t intervene of their work. In an interview with Thanthi TV forward of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Prime Minister asserted that opposition events are utilizing the courts as a “tool” to hinder the work of the probe company as a result of they’re conscious that Modi stays dedicated to combating corruption and won’t be deterred.
ED works independently: PM
“Did our government establish ED? Did we introduce PMLA? They were there before our government was formed. ED is an independent agency and it is working independently. Neither do we stop them, nor do we send them. They have to be right in the eyes of the law… There are around 7,000 cases with the ED and only three per cent of them are related to politicians…,” he mentioned.
How a lot cash ED seized throughout Modi govt?
Prime Minister Modi additional emphasised that throughout the ten years of Congress’ governance, the ED had seized solely Rs 35 lakh. However, now, the the probe company has efficiently seized black cash amounting to Rs. 2,200 crore. “Bundles of cash are being seized. Notes are being found in washing machines and pipes in houses. Rs 300 crore cash was seized from a Congress MP. Cash has been seized from several ministers in the West Bengal. Will the people tolerate all this? I think, they will not…,” the Prime Minister added.
‘Rs 3,000 crore seized in Bengal’
During the interview, PM Modi additionally revealed that he’s in search of authorized recommendation relating to the opportunity of returning money seized by the ED to impoverished people in West Bengal who supplied cash in alternate for job alternatives. He talked about that round Rs 3,000 crore has been seized in Bengal, and efforts are being made to determine if this cash could be redirected to those that initially gave it. The Prime Minister highlighted that the ED has already returned Rs. 17,000 crore to residents, incomes commendation for its actions.
‘Oppn organising rallies to save lots of corrupts’
Responding to allegations from the opposition relating to the ED’s purported inaction in opposition to BJP leaders, PM Modi assured that investigations will persist whatever the politician’s affiliation. He additionally slammed the opposition, saying that rallies are being organised to save lots of corrupts. “The ED’s ability to initiate a case hinges on other agencies filing an FIR first. Despite having a PMLA account for 10 years, they did not use it. Over 150 court cases were instigated to impede the implementation of the PMLA law. This obstruction aims to utilize the courts as a tool against the ED’s efforts, as they recognize Modi’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption. Therefore, they want to remove the ED so that no one can fight against corruption…,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s feedback coincided with a day when opposition events convened at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan to specific help for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. Both leaders had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in separate cash laundering circumstances.
