Congress Raises Doubts On PM Modi's Anti-Corruption Stance: 'How Fast Is BJP's Washing Machine Spinning In Goa?'

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Congress party has launched scathing accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging its complicity in sheltering corrupt leaders and subsequently shielding them from legal repercussions. These assertions surfaced as Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in campaign activities in Maharashtra and Goa.

In a pointed critique articulated by Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, the BJP’s conduct in Goa was brought under scrutiny. Ramesh contended that the BJP’s political maneuvers in the state reflected a concerning disregard for democratic principles. “How fast is the BJP washing machine spinning in Goa?” questioned Ramesh, drawing attention to the alleged stalling of legal action against former chief ministers embroiled in corruption scandals once they switched allegiance to the ruling party.

Highlighting specific cases, Ramesh pointed out one former chief minister’s involvement in a money-laundering scandal related to the Louis Berger bribery case. “The Enforcement Directorate had even received approval from a Goa court to frame charges against him in the case, but all action was stopped once he joined the BJP,” Ramesh asserted. Similarly, another former chief minister facing allegations of recruitment scams reportedly saw the charges dissipate upon joining the BJP.

The senior Congress leader went on to question the sincerity behind Prime Minister Modi’s anti-corruption rhetoric. “The prime minister’s ‘Bhrashtachar Hatao’ slogan is shamelessly plastered all over the country even as his party is busy accommodating corrupt politicians,” Ramesh remarked, urging clarity on why action against these individuals had seemingly stalled under BJP patronage.

Congress Accuses BJP Govt Of Prioritising Corporate Interests Over Environmental Conservation

Shifting focus to Maharashtra’s agricultural sector, particularly the plight of onion farmers, Ramesh criticised the Modi government’s policies, which he argued had exacerbated their challenges. “Why has the export ban only been lifted on Gujarat’s white onions?” he queried, emphasising the disparity in governmental support for different regions.

Furthermore, the Congress General Secretary condemned the prohibition on ethanol production from sugarcane juice and syrup, warning of its adverse impact on investments in Kolhapur’s sugar industry. He highlighted concerns raised by industry representatives, including BJP ally Ajit Pawar, regarding the potential losses stemming from this decision.

Drawing attention to environmental issues, he accused the BJP government of prioritising corporate interests over environmental conservation. He lamented the approval of projects in ecologically sensitive areas, including the Western Ghats, which experts argue could have severe repercussions for local communities and ecosystems.

The Congress leader called upon Prime Minister Modi to address these pressing concerns and clarify his stance on issues ranging from corruption to environmental protection. “Who does he represent — his corporate friends or the people?” Ramesh questioned, urging the prime minister to break his silence and demonstrate accountability to the citizens of India.