Approach to get stash varies: Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to bring back black money stashed abroad comes against the backdrop of the stand the government took in the Supreme Court last week about the inability to disclose the names of account-holders in foreign banks because of the confidentially clause in treaties with other countries.

The Prime Minister said there might be differences in approach on getting this money back but he was committed to doing it and the nation should have faith in him.

“As far as black money is concerned. You should have faith on this pradhan sevak. For me, it is an article of faith. Every penny of the money of the poor people in this country which has gone out should return. This is my commitment,” he said in his address on All India Radio.

On the actual estimate of the amount in illegal bank accounts in foreign countries, Mr Modi said, “Nobody knows, nor do I know, nor does the government know, nor do you know, how much money is stashed abroad. Even the previous government had no estimate. Everybody is making their own assessment of figures. I do not want to get involved in those figures. It is my commitment that whatever amount, '2 or '5, crores of rupees or whatever, this money belongs to the poor people of this country and should come back.” He also asserted that whatever has to be done will be done at the earliest.

Questioning those demanding the disclosure of names in violation of tax treaties, Mr Jaitley said, “The Congress’ stand is understandable. It doesn’t want evidence to be forthcoming in support of the names available with SIT. Are some others ill-informed, just indulging in bravado or are they Trojan horses?”