As Delhi witnesses the penultimate poll clash in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Without directly naming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Modi questioned the media’s decision to interview an individual facing serious corruption charges.
Kejriwal, who was detained in Tihar jail for 40 days in connection with the liquor policy case, is currently out on bail and actively campaigning for the elections. He has consistently claimed that the charges against him are part of a conspiracy, and has boldly asserted that he will not return to jail if his party emerges victorious.
In a recent interview with a national news channel, when asked about Kejriwal’s portrayal of his bail as a victory, Prime Minister Modi referred to the scathing observations made by the Delhi High Court in the case. “The matter is sub-judice and for me to comment on it is inappropriate. But, if I simply focus on what the courts have said, let’s take a look at what the high court has said. Leave aside what the agency has said, or what a BJP spokesperson has said. But, the high court has made strict observations in the liquor policy case,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister expressed his concern over the perceived erosion of accountability in public life and the lack of commitment to honesty. “What is concerning, and this is a serious matter, is that in public life, there is no accountability anymore. There is no commitment on what you say. In public life, there was a time when a student would get caught cheating, he would be suspended for a month from school and his parents would be embarrassed about this. Such things were considered wrong in society,” he said.
Modi lamented the current trend of glorifying individuals facing serious charges, drawing a parallel to notorious criminal Charles Sobhraj, who once achieved a celebrity-like status. “What is happening today is that, without any shame, those who have faced punishment or are facing serious charges, they are being celebrated in public. I am concerned about this kind of moral degradation; I am not concerned with any individual,” he emphasized.
He further added, “Earlier, there used to be dacoits whose exploits were glorified by newspapers and society. Unfortunately, now corrupt politicians are also getting this benefit. I am shocked at how corrupt individuals are being interviewed by the media. I’ve only seen a criminal like Charles Sobhraj being interviewed like this before.”
