Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent interview with news agency ANI, expressed his resilience against persistent verbal attacks from the Opposition, declaring himself “gaali-proof” after enduring continuous abuse for 24 years. Reflecting on past derogatory remarks, such as being labeled a “maut ka saudaagar” by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi during the 2007 Gujarat Assembly elections, PM Modi criticized the Opposition’s tendency to resort to insults due to repeated electoral defeats.

“Our party member in Parliament did the calculation and counted 101 abuses,” Modi stated, suggesting that the Opposition’s frustration has led to a habitual pattern of derogatory language. He emphasized that this behavior is not restricted to election periods but has become a constant feature of their conduct.

Addressing accusations from the Opposition that federal agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are being misused to target BJP rivals, PM Modi challenged the credibility of these claims. “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,” he remarked.

PM Modi highlighted the significant increase in the seizure of illicit funds under his administration, contrasting it with the previous decade. “When Manmohan Singh was in power for 10 years, Rs 34 lakh were seized. In the last 10 years, ED has seized Rs 2,200 crore,” he noted. Modi asserted that efforts to reclaim misappropriated funds should be commended rather than criticized, insinuating that those who protest are likely involved in corrupt activities.

During his campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi reiterated that the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties, resorts to personal attacks due to their lack of a substantial development roadmap. At a rally in Bhopal, he accused these leaders of trying to protect the corrupt and impeding national progress by targeting him.

“In reality, they do not want to stop Modi. Those in the INDI alliance want to stop the development of the country,” Modi stated. He emphasized his commitment to national service, contrasting it with politicians he accuses of self-enrichment. “For Modi, Bharat is my family. Those who have come into politics to fill their own coffers should not abuse me,” he added.