Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing counter offensive against his political opponents over criticism of the Government’s move to demonetise Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes and warned more measure were in the offing to eradicate the menace of black money.
In separate public functions during the day, Modi displayed both emotion and aggression as he pledged to continue with his promise to rid India of the scourge of black money unmindful of the likely threat to even his life from those affected by the demonetisation move.
In Panjim, an emotionally-charged Modi warned the corrupt to fall in line and pleaded with honest Indians to give demonetisation process 50 days to succeed.
In an hour-long speech, Modi virtually broke down once, saying his life was at risk because of his decision to take on vested interests. He went to add that that personal harm was inconsequential when compared to duty towards the nation.
“They will not leave me alive. They will destroy me. let them do what they want. (For) 50 days, help me. The country should just help me for 50 days,” said Modi in his speech at an indoor stadium near Panjim.
Modi, who was in Goa to digitally lay the foundation stone for a greenfield civilian airport in North Goa’s Mopa village and an electronic city at Tuem village, said, “I know what kind of powers I have taken on. I know the kind of people who will be against me now. I am looting what they had accumulated over 70 years”.
Taking the Opposition head on for targeting his Government over demonetisation, Modi said those involved in mega scams were now standing in queues to exchange Rs4,000. “They thought if they pull my hair, I will stop and do nothing. I will not be cowed down. I will not stop doing these things, even if you burn me alive,” Modi said addressing a function in Panaji.
His lips trembled and there were long pauses when, fighting back tears, he said, “My dear countrymen, I gave up everything...My home, my family. I gave up everything I had for this country.”
Modi also said that those who were frustrated by his crackdown had now resorted to rumour-mongering to create panic among masses, adding that the recent spate of rumours about salt shortage in various parts of the country, was one such example.
Vowing to take on black money, Modi mentioned other decisions such as setting up of a special investigation team under a retired Supreme Court judge to probe black money, a successfully implemented voluntary disclosure of Income scheme, and the ongoing elaborate demonetisation drive, saying they were part of a well-oiled plan of the crack-down on black money and corruption.
“This is not the end. This is not a full stop. I am openly saying, this is not a full stop... There are other projects in my mind to stop dishonesty and corruption in the country. These projects are coming... I am doing this for the poor, honest people for those who are working hard to survive,” said Modi.
The Prime Minister did admit, there were some hiccups with the implementation of the demonitisation drive, but also added that such a gargantuan step would come with its own set of obstacles, which needed to be overcome in the right spirit, in the larger interest of the nation.
“Did you not ask me to work against black moneyIJ If you had asked me, should I have done it or notIJ You tell me, if you had asked me, then you would have imagined that there would be some inconvenienceIJ” Modi said, adding that even elaborate polling exercises also face hiccups, despite preparations which stretch into months.
In the second public speech of the day at Belgaum, Modi assured the country that innocent citizens would not be troubled. Addressing the a valedictory function of the year-long centenary celebrations of the Karnataka lingayat Education (KlE) Society in Belgaum in north Karnataka, Modi said that innocent citizens would never be troubled but guilty persons will not be spared.
Modi took a dig at the Congress, saying, “The Congress is questioning me why did I ban Rs 500/1000 notes. Did I question them when they banned the 25 paisaIJ The Congress banned 25 paise coin, because that is what their power was limited to.”
“What was the news in 2012, 2013 and first half of 2014 -- the scams, the corruption...did you see their condition after November 8. On the night of November 8, the poor in India were sleeping peacefully, while the rich had gone out to buy sleeping pills,” said the Prime Minister.
“There is pain here, but what is more is gain for the country. People who didn’t drop 25 paise in the Ganga are now dropping 500/1000 in the river,” said the Prime Minister, adding that he would not stop after December 30.
In a hard-hitting speech Modi warned dishonest people to be aware and said he will not hesitate after December 30. He also slammed the claims that demonetisation is bothering poor citizens and said the move bothers only rich people.
The Prime Minister also said that he has “more projects” in mind to rid the country of corruption and was ready to face the consequences as forces are “up against me” with 70 years of loot are in trouble.
“For 70 years, the country has been looted, give me 70 months and I’ll clean up the entire nation (from black money).” He also credited bank officials for working overtime for effective implementation of the move. “Even retired officials offered voluntary services and this is commendable,” said Modi.