'I have become abuse-proof': PM Modi on Opposition's 'personal attacks'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (May 28) hit out at the Opposition parties, stating they believe that they have the right to abuse and that he has become gaali-proof after “being continuously abused for the last 24 years”.

The prime minister said the Opposition parties have become “so frustrated that now abusing has become their nature”. In an exclusive interview with ANI, he said, “As far as Modi is concerned, after being continuously abused for the last 24 years, I have become gaali-proof. Who called me the maut ka saudagar and gandi naali ka keeda?”

“Our party member in the parliament did the calculation and counted 101 abuses, so whether there is election or no election, these people (Opposition) believe that only they have the right to abuse and they have become so frustrated that now abusing has become their nature,” he said, answering a query on personal attacks against him

‘No misuse of agencies’

PM Modi rejected allegations of Opposition leaders that probe agencies were being misused to suppress them and said his government has told its officers that there will be zero-tolerance towards corruption.

“Ask the person who is throwing this garbage, what is the proof of what you are saying?...I will convert this garbage into manure and will produce some good things for the country from it...When Manmohan Singh was in power for 10 years, ₹34 lakh were seized while in the last 10 years ED has seized ₹2,200 crore. The one who has brought back ₹2,200 crore to the country should be respected and not abused,” he said.

Anti-corruption drive

Dwelling on his drive against corruption, he said, “The one whose money has gone is abusing...It means that whoever has a part in stealing money will shout a little after being caught...Today, a Sarpanch has the right to sign on a chequebook but the prime minister of the country does not have it...Modi government has told its officers that my government has zero tolerance towards corruption.”

The prime minister said the Opposition should be asked about the proof they have over their allegations of interference in the functioning of the central probe agencies. He also said that the government does not interfere in the work of probe agencies.

Asked about Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's allegation that PM Modi decides who will go to the jail, the Prime Minister said, “It would be better if these people read the Constitution, read the law of the country, I do not need to say anything to anyone.”