Bear with me for 50 days: Modi to aam aadmi

Blending emotion with aggression, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today mounted a counter-offensive against the Opposition over demonetisation of high-value currency notes, promising more anti-graft measures “even if I am burned alive”.

Taking the Opposition, particularly the Congress, head on for targeting his government over demonetisation, Modi said those involved in mega scams were now standing in queues to exchange ₹4,000.

“They thought if they pull my hair, I will stop and do nothing. I will not be cowed down. I will not stop doing these things, even if you burn me alive,” Modi said addressing a function in Panaji, turning emotional and aggressive in turn.

Modi said he was ready to face the consequences of his moves as certain forces were “up against me” because their “70 years of loot” was in trouble as a result of the demonetisation.

Tearful appeal

“They may ruin me because their loot of 70 years is in trouble, but I am prepared,” he said. Fighting back tears, he said, “My dear countrymen, I gave up everything... my home, my family... I gave up everything I had for this country.”

Under unrelenting Opposition attack over demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes and the misery it has caused the common people, Modi said, “This government does not want to bother honest people, but doesn’t want to spare the dishonest. Bear with me for 50 days. Has India been looted or not? ..... I am not going to stop at this. I will expose the history of corruption of 70 years since Independence.”

The Prime Minister declared that the war against corruption will not end with the current demonetisation exercise and that he would now target those owning benami property.

“This (demonetisation) is not an end. I have more projects in mind to make India corruption-free. .... We will take action against ‘benami’ property. This is a major step to eradicate corruption and black money ... If any money was looted in India and has left Indian shores, it is our duty to find out about it,” he said.

Reaching out to the people, Modi said: “If you find anything wrong with my intentions or my actions, hang me in public. I promise you I will give you the India which you desired. If someone faces a problem, I also feel the pain. I understand their problem but this is only for 50 days and after 50 days we succeed in this cleansing.”

“I am doing what I was asked to do by the people of this country. This had become clear from the very first meeting of my Cabinet when I formed the SIT (on black money). We never kept the people in dark.”