New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Terming corruption and nepotism as the two primary challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that the country is entering a decisive phase against corruption and "nobody, irrespective of how big he is, will be spared".
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, the Prime Minister sought the blessings of the countrymen in his fight against the two evils.
"I can clearly see that we are entering a decisive phase against corruption. Even the biggest names will not be spared. With this mood, India is entering this crucial period. I am saying this with full responsibility from the ramparts of the Red Fort," he said.
"Corruption is making the country hollow like a termite,... the country will have to fight it. I have to intensify the fight against it and take it to the turning point.
"My 130 crore countrymen bless me, support me. I have come today to ask for your cooperation. Corruption has ruined the life of the common citizen," he added.
The Prime Minister said that in a country like India where people are struggling with poverty on one hand, there are people who do not have a place to live, on the other side there are people who do not have a place to keep their stolen wealth.
"We are trying to confiscate the properties of those who fled by looting the banks during previous governments. Many have been forced to live in prisons. It is our endeavor to compel them to return the stolen money," the Prime Minister said.
Modi expressed his concern at the tendency of people showing leniency against the corrupt.
"It is a matter of concern that leniency is shown towards the corrupt. This does not suit in any country. Unless we create a sense of hatred against the corrupt, and look on them socially, this mentality is not going to end," he said using strong terms.
"When I talk about nepotism and dynastic politics, people think I am talking about politics only. No, unfortunately that evil has entered in every institution of India. This harms the talent of my country," he said.
For the purification of the politics of India, let us get rid of nepotism and move forward on the basis of merit, he added calling it a constitutional responsibility.
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