PM Narendra Modi vows to continue fight against corruption amidst opposition attacks

At a spirited rally in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a vigorous defense of his anti-corruption stance, directly challenging the opposition INDIA bloc and reiterating his commitment to eradicating graft in Indian politics. The rally, Modi’s first in Uttar Pradesh since the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule, was not just a platform to address local constituents but a declaration of his government’s intent to continue its battle against corruption, irrespective of the political status of those involved.

Modi’s speech came in response to the INDIA bloc’s rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, which saw leaders supporting Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren, both arrested on graft charges. Modi accused the opposition of rattling at his administration’s efforts to clamp down on corruption, stating, “I am fighting a big battle to save my country from the corrupt. That is why they are behind bars today and not getting bail even from the Supreme Court.”

The Prime Minister framed the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election as a pivotal moment for India, a choice between the corruption-eradicating efforts of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA Alliance’s perceived protection of corrupt leaders. Modi emphasized his personal connection to the plight of the poor and outlined his government’s initiatives to empower and restore dignity to the underprivileged.

Highlighting the significance of Meerut in India’s revolutionary history, Modi asserted that his government was already preparing for a third term, focusing on a development roadmap for the next five years. He criticized the Congress and the INDIA bloc for historical missteps, such as the handling of the Katchatheevu island issue, and accused them of undermining India’s sovereignty.

Rashtriya Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary’s appearance alongside Modi, and the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other notable figures, underscored the NDA’s unity and collective vision for a developed India (‘Viksit Bharat’).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Meerut is a strategic move aimed at galvanizing support ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, showcasing his administration’s achievements and future plans. By focusing on anti-corruption, Modi is appealing to a broad segment of Indian voters tired of political graft. The rally also serves as a counter-narrative to the opposition’s critiques, reinforcing Modi’s image as a leader committed to national development and integrity. The emphasis on ‘Viksit Bharat’ underlines a forward-looking agenda that could resonate well with the electorate, especially in key battleground states like Uttar Pradesh.