Without naming Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioned how the media can interview an individual who is facing serious corruption charges.
In an exclusive interview with News18, PM Modi was asked about how Kejriwal is portraying his bail as a victory. “This is a man who is out on bail, how can the media interview someone like him,” said the PM.
Kejriwal, arrested in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case, is out on bail and campaigning for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Recently, the CM said only PM Modi can tell how long he would be in jail.
During the interview, PM Modi discussed how the observations made by the Delhi High Court in the case are “scathing”. “The matter is sub-judice and for me to comment on it is inappropriate. But, if I simply focus on what the courts have said, let’s take a look at what the high court has said. Leave aside what the agency has said, or what a BJP spokesperson has said. But, the high court has made strict observations in the liquor policy case,” he said.
PM Modi said it worries him that there is no accountability left in public life. “Now, what is concerning, and this is a serious matter, that in public life, there is no accountability anymore. There is no commitment on what you say. In public life, there was a time, when a student would get caught cheating, he would be suspended for a month from school and his parents would be embarrassed about this. Such things were considered wrong in society,” he said.
The PM said currently those facing serious charges are being celebrated. Equating Kejriwal to serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who garnered a celebrity-like status, PM Modi said he is concerned about this kind of moral degradation in society. “What is happening today is that, without any shame, those who have faced punishment or are facing serious charges, they are being celebrated in public. I am concerned about this kind of moral degradation; I am not concerned with any individual,” he told News18.
According to the PM, earlier newspapers and society used to glorify the exploits of dacoits, “Unfortunately, now corrupt politicians are also getting this benefit. I am shocked at how corrupt individuals are being interviewed by the media. I’ve only seen a criminal like Charles Sobhraj being interviewed like this before,” said PM Modi.
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