‘Just 3% of ED investigations related to people in politics’

Any level of corruption impacts people, and action against those who steal money meant for people’s welfare will not end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, pushing back against Opposition allegations that government was using investigative agencies to undermine the democratic process.

In an interview with Mint’s sister publication Hindustan, the prime minister also expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win a historic third term in the general elections that begin next week, highlighting his administration’s 10-year-old record on development, welfare and infrastructure and achievements such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and the opening of the Ram Temple.

“Eliminating corruption has been a key priority of our government for the last 10 years… I am committed to take strict action against the corrupt,” Modi said.

The Opposition parties have alleged that investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are acting on the behest of the central government to create an unequal playing field for the elections that begin on 19 April.

But Modi dismissed the allegations, saying that only 3% of the cases being probed by ED have people associated with politics. “Steps are being taken even in states where BJP is in power. The narratives you have heard, that it is only political corruption that we are after, are being circulated by people who are under the sword of investigative agencies,” he said.

Citing the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system, Modi said the government removed the names of more than 100 million fake beneficiaries who were not even born. “By doing this, the government saved ₹2.75 trillion from going into the wrong hands.”

Modi said there was enthusiasm among the people about a third term for BJP. “When was the last time you saw something like this in the entire world, that even after 10 years of a government, the masses are engaged to re-elect them to power with the same enthusiasm and absolute fervour?” he asked.

The prime minister hailed the achievements of his government on the economic and foreign policy fronts. He also spoke about biofuels, ethanolblending, and the benefits accrued to sugarcane farmers due to the government’s clean energy push.