Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent stance on corruption, particularly his promise to send corrupt individuals to jail. Ramesh, in response to Modi's claims, suggested that members of Modi's own cabinet might find themselves facing incarceration in Tihar jail post the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He raised doubts about whether those involved in what he labeled as "legalized corruption" would also be held accountable by the government.
Highlighting what he referred to as the "#PayPM Scam," Ramesh accused the Modi administration of engaging in what he described as corrupt practices such as pre-paid bribes, post-paid bribes, and alleged extortion through ED raids. He took to social media to express his concerns, using the hashtag #ElectoralBondScam to draw attention to his allegations against the ruling party. Ramesh's criticism of the Modi government's anti-corruption measures also touched upon the impact it has had on motivating opposition forces to take action against the administration.
In a scathing response to PM Modi's anti-corruption rhetoric, Ramesh questioned the sincerity of the government's actions, particularly in light of the allegations of institutionalized corruption. PM Modi, on the other hand, reiterated his commitment to combating corruption during a rally in Rajasthan, accusing the previous Congress-led state government of various instances of graft, including recruitment exam paper leaks. Additionally, he condemned Congress leaders for alleged wrongdoings related to temple lands, violence during religious processions, and controversial remarks made on an international platform.
As PM Modi headed to Jammu and Kashmir amid tightened security, Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP government's suspension of democratic processes in the region. Ramesh expressed concern over the lack of fresh elections and the diminishing democratic norms, calling on PM Modi to address the suspension of democracy in the northern state.