Taking legal advice on returning looted corruption money to people: PM Modi

Rajamahendravaram, New Delhi, Berhampur, Nabarangpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that he was seeking legal advice on the process of returning money allegedly "looted" from poor people through corruption. Modi's remarks came in response to recent seizures of large sums of cash by the Enforcement Directorate, allegedly linked to individuals close to the Congress' leadership.

Addressing the issue of cash seizures, Modi questioned the proximity of these individuals to the Congress' top echelons, suggesting possible connections to the accumulation of black money while speaking at a public rally in Rajamahendravaram. “Why is that those, from whom mounds of cash is recovered, are close to the Congress' first family? Was the seized cash meant for supply somewhere, is it that Congress' first family has created warehouses of black money? The country wants to know from Congress shehzada,” he said in an apparent jibe at Rahul Gandhi. Modi emphasised his concern for the poor, whose money he alleges has been stolen by corrupt individuals.

Modi highlighted the government's efforts in combating corruption, citing the attachment of properties worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore by the Enforcement Directorate alone. He assured that legal measures are being explored to ensure the return of looted funds to their rightful owners, with Rs 17,000 crore already restored. Modi pledged that no poor person's rights would be compromised, reaffirming his commitment to their welfare.

Modi, addressing his first election rally in Odisha, proclaimed himself the "son of Lord Jagannath" and declared June 4 as the "expiry date" for the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government “The BJP will form a double-engine government here (in Odisha) after the ongoing elections,” Modi said at the Berhampur rally.

“I have come here to invite you to the swearing-in ceremony of BJP's CM on June 10. On that day, we will implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which the Naveen Patnaik government has been resisting. This son of Lord Jagannath will take care of all senior citizens under this scheme,” Modi said.

Asserting BJP's potential to transform Odisha into the nation's leading state, Modi urged voters to grant the BJP an opportunity to govern. He highlighted the elevation of Odisha's Droupadi Murmu to the nation's highest post as a testament to the BJP's commitment to the state.

In a thinly veiled criticism of Naveen Patnaik's leadership, Modi emphasised the necessity for a Chief Minister who understood Odia language and culture, implying a purported linguistic inadequacy on Patnaik's part.

At rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur, Modi underscored his government's dedication to tribal welfare, citing a substantial increase in budget allocations and the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential schools in tribal areas. He criticised the BJD government for allegedly failing to implement central schemes like Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission effectively, resulting in underserved beneficiaries and underutilised funds.

Modi appealed to the people of Odisha to grant the BJP an opportunity to govern, promising to leverage the state's potential to propel it to national prominence.

The PM assured voters of fulfilling BJP's promises outlined in a visionary manifesto, focusing on job creation for youth, opportunities for women, and healthcare provisions for seniors.

Responding to Modi's assertions, senior BJD leader V.K. Pandian affirmed Naveen Patnaik's sixth consecutive term as Odisha's Chief Minister, scheduled for June 9.

Modi emphasised the need for new energy and leadership in Odisha, advocating for individuals deeply rooted in Odia culture and tradition to accelerate the state's development.

Addressing Odisha's potential juxtaposed with its developmental lag, Modi attributed the state's plight to decades of misrule by Congress and subsequent stagnation under BJD. He hailed the BJP as the beacon of hope for Odisha's prosperity.

Highlighting President Droupadi Murmu's Odisha roots, Modi expressed gratitude for her guidance and pledged to prioritize the state's development under her counsel.