Won't tolerate corruption, tough steps will be taken: Narendra Modi - Livemint

In Haryana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government is striving to meet the aspirations of the new generation. Photo: PTI

Kaithal, Haryana: The culture of corruption will not be tolerated any longer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, declaring that his government will initiate tough steps to deal with the menace while pushing for all-round development of the country.

“It (corruption) is worse than even cancer and can destroy the country. The country is not willing to tolerate the evil any longer...should strong steps not be taken to remove corruption. We will take those steps,” said the prime minister addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Rs1,393-crore national highway project linking Haryana with Rajasthan.

On his first visit to poll-bound Haryana after becoming prime minister, Modi said that development was the only way to take the country forward and address the various problems faced by the people, including that of unemployment.

He countered the criticism from some that he had not mentioned corruption in his first Independence Day address at the Red Fort on 15 August. “Some people said that I did not say anything about corruption in my address on Independence Day. Let me remind them, I had talked about the mera kya (what about me), mujhe kya (it does not concern me) culture of corruption which has ruined this country. This has to change now,” Modi said.

“You tell me if we should take tough measures against it (corruption). I need your blessings. With your blessings, I will rid the country of this disease.”

The prime minister also warned those indulging in corruption.

“Rains come and roads disappear. Nobody knows where the money goes...,” he said while pointing to irregularities and asserted that the “earlier attitude” of paying bribes won’t be tolerated. In the run-up to Lok Sabha elections, Modi had consistently attacked the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government on the various scams and had vowed to take steps to tackle corruption.

Modi on Tuesday emphasized on having latest infrastructure for development of the nation. “A nation which has to follow the path of development gives priority to its infrastructure like railways, airports and roads,” he said.

The prime minister said that it is important to connect the rural and urban India with optical fibre network, gas, water and power grids and provide better infrastructure to the people.

The function was attended by Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda , who was left red-faced as a hostile crowd hooted him in Modi’s presence. Later, the angry Congress leader said he would boycott such events with the prime minister.

As Hooda hurriedly continued to read out from his prepared speech, Modi waved to the crowds urging them to remain calm but the people did not relent and the chief minister’s speech was lost in the din.