Modi takes a swipe at Congress, Vadra over corruption

Says in contrast his govt doesn't have any graft charges against it

Live: The World accepts 21st Century is India's Century: Modi
Press Trust of India San Jose
Last Updated : Sep 28 2015 | 12:04 PM IST
In a veiled attack on UPA regime and taking a swipe at the Congress President's son-in-law Robert Vadra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said there were allegations of politicians and their families making crores of rupees while his government has no graft charges against it.

"In our country it doesn't take much for allegations to come up against politicians... Someone made 50 crores, someone's son made 250 crores, (someone's) daughter made 500 crores, (someone's) damaad (son-in-law) made 1,000 crores," Modi said.

Some cousins took contracts and some got flats in the past, he said while addressing the Indian community at the packed SAP Centre in San Jose, California.

Dramatically pausing after saying "damaad", Modi went on to assert that there are no allegations of corruption against his government.

"Aren't you sick of all of this? Aren't you angry? My countrymen, I am standing in your midst. Is there any allegation against me?" he asked as the audience responded back with a "No".

While Modi's reference to sons and daughters of politicians being corrupt is seen as a reference to culture of corruption in the country, the reference to son-in-law is seen as a barb at alleged land deals entered into by Vadra with the some state governments.

Modi has come under attack for making controversial statements during his visits abroad.

During his German visit, Modi had said that India was "begging earlier and will not beg any more", evoking sharp criticism from Congress and some other parties.

In Canada, he triggered another controversy by stating that before he became the Prime Minister, it was "scam India" and he inherited filth and corruption.

On his maiden visit to China as Prime Minister in May, he had claimed that people had at one point of time had considered it as "misfortune" to be born in India and were ashamed to be called an Indian.

Last month in the UAE, Modi had said, "I have got some problems in legacy... Some things were stalled due to the indecisiveness and lethargy of the governments (in the last)... It is my priority to kickstart those things".

While Congress has rubbished his remarks, Modi has remained unfazed by such criticism.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 28 2015 | 11:32 AM IST

Next Story