“Demon of corruption”: PM Modi takes a dig at NDA during his Independence Day address at Red Fort

PM Narendra Modi. PTI Photo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took a dig at the National Democratic Alliance that governed the country before 2014 saying that there was a 'demon of corruption', and scams of lakhs of crores of rupees before his govt took charge.

He said that the country is now the 5th largest economy in the world.

The Prime Minister said: "We built a strong economy and stopped leakages. I am giving an account of 10 years from Red Fort."

He said that his government's every moment, every rupee goes towards the welfare of the citizens. The government and the citizens are united with spirit of 'nation first' "In five years, over 13.5 crore poor people came out of poverty to become part of neo-middle, middle classes."

PM Modi said that government will launch 'vishvakarma yojana' with outlay of Rs 13,000-15,000 crore to help workers. "It is 'Modi's guarantee' that India will become 3rd largest global economy in next 5 years."

Also read: Thane: Despite 18 deaths, these patients can go nowhere else

Addressing countrymen from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 77th Independence Day, the Prime Minister appealed for peace in strife-torn Manipur saying that people across the country stand with the people of the Northeast state.

"The whole country stands with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way to resolve all disputes. The Centre and the Manipur government are making every effort to ensure that peace returns to the state at the earliest," PM Modi said.

"This is a vast country with endless possibilities. 140 crore members of my family are celebrating Independence Day today," PM Modi added.

Paying homage to the heroes of the country's freedom struggle, he added, "I salute all our citizens and those outside the country, who demonstrate their love for their native soil. I extend my heartfelt wishes to them this Independence Day."

Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi hoisted the national flag today as the nation woke up to its 77th Independence Day. He also took to his official handle on 'X', formerly Twitter, to greet countrymen on Independence Day.

"Best wishes on Independence Day. We pay homage to our great freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling their vision. Jai Hind!," the Prime Minister wrote.

On his arrival at the Red Fort, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Ajay Bhatt, and Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane.

This year's Independence Day will culminate the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" celebrations, which were launched by Prime Minister Modi from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021, and will usher the country into "Amrit Kaal". (With inputs from agencies)