Lok Sabha 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized those opposing the crackdown on politicians facing corruption allegations, accusing the so-called ‘Khan Market gang‘ of creating fake narratives to protect these individuals from legal action.

In an interview with IANS, Modi asserted that his government is targeting major corruption figures, unlike previous administrations that focused on minor offenders.

“The same people who earlier cried foul over no action on big players have started crying hoarse about it,” PM Modi said.

He highlighted the irony that critics who previously demanded action against high-profile corrupt individuals are now protesting these actions.

“The same people who demanded that Sonia Gandhi be put behind bars are crying hoarse over action against corruption,” Modi remarked, seemingly referring to the Aam Aadmi Party and its leaders.

Opposition parties have accused the Modi government of misusing investigative agencies to suppress dissent. Modi, however, emphasized that he has no involvement in the actions against corrupt leaders, stating that “independent investigative agencies” are responsible for apprehending the accused, with the judiciary determining their trials and convictions.

“Before the 2019 elections, we were questioned over our stand and action on graft and why the government was not quick on punishing the perpetrators. Our outright response was that independent agencies will act against them based on facts. Officials worked hard to gather the facts and today, big players are being caught and brought to justice,” Modi said.

Several opposition leaders, including former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, have been imprisoned over corruption allegations. Kejriwal is currently out on interim bail to campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.