PM Modi hits out at Opposition over ‘level playing field’ in Lok Sabha elections, heaps praise on ED

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi rebuffed accusations by the Opposition that there was no 'level playing field' in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls stating that these were mere excuses by the INDIA bloc leaders over their impending defeat.

Refuting assertions made by the opposition regarding misuse of the Enforcement Directorate, PM Modi emphasised that only 3 per cent of its cases were against political people whereas the probe agency seized a much higher amount in the last decade.

"None of the law regarding this was made by my government. Whether it is ED, CBI or Election Commission," the Indian prime minister said in an interview with news agency ANI.

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He further highlighted that the BJP-led government also passed a bill that ensures the presence of a Leader of Opposition in the three-member committee to select the three Election Commissioners.

"In fact, we have made improvements in the Election Commission. Today, if the Election Commission is formed, then the opposition is also in it. Earlier, the Prime Minister used to sign a file and form the Election Commission. And those who were close to their families, such people became election commissioners."

He then took a swipe at the Congress party and said, "So our level play cannot happen, we cannot become like that. We want to go on the right path, we don't want to go on the wrong path."

PM Modi lauds ED

The prime minister also heaped praises on the Enforcement Directorate saying that since 2014, since he took charge, the federal probe agency had contributed immensely in tackling corruption in the country.

"Before 2014, the ED attached only assets worth Rs 5000 crore. Did anyone stop ED from taking action and who were getting benefitted? In my tenure, assets worth Rs 1 lakh crore have been attached. Is this not the money of the people of the country?" PM asked.

"In the last ten years, we have recovered Rs 2200 crore in cash, while ED before 2014, could only recover Rs 34 lakh cash which can be carried in a school bag. While 70 small trucks (chhota haathi) will be needed to keep Rs 2200 crore. It means that the ED is doing a good job," he added.

His remarks come as the INDIA bloc has repeatedly accused the ruling BJP of misusing the central probe agencies like ED to target the opposition leaders.

(With inputs from agencies)