Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took an apparent swipe at the former chief ministers Lalu Prasad, Jagannath Mishra and OP Chautala, while addressing an NCC rally in New Delhi.
Seeking youths’ cooperation in his fight against corruption, PM said that people used to believe that the rich and powerful are never touched in anti-corruption measures and asserted that it is no longer so as three former chief ministers are now “rotting” in jail. Getting rid of this “termite” of corruption will help the poor most, he noted.
Former Bihar chief ministers Lalu and Mishra were recently convicted in a fodder scam case and sentenced. Former Haryana Chief Minister Chautala is also in jail in connection with a corruption case.
“Youths of India refuses to accept corruption. The fight against corruption and black money will not stop. This is a fight for the future of India’s youths,” he said.
Modi also made a strong pitch for the use of Aadhaar, saying it has added great strength to India’s development by curbing leakages and helping government money reach its target beneficiaries.
He added that Aadhaar has helped save Rs 60000 crore only in a few government schemes as the money earlier used to go into “wrong hands”.
“These days you keep hearing about Aadhaar. I want to say Aadhaar has added great strength to India’s development. What would earlier get into wrong hands is now going to the intended beneficiaries,” he said.
Exhorting youngsters to promote use to digital transactions, he said, “My young friends, I am here to ask for something. No, I am not here for seeking votes or politics. My appeal is- please further digital transactions through (the BHIM App). Please also get others on that platform. This is a step towards transparency and accountability.”
Aadhaar’s legality has been challenged in the Supreme Court, whose constitution bench is hearing the matter.
(With inputs from PTI)
