PM deprecates culture of graft in India; attacks Congress

San Jose, Sep 28: In a veiled attack on the corruption during UPA regime and a barb at the Congress President's son-in-law Robert Vadra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today deprecated the culture of graft in the country and said he has provided graft-free governance.

He said corruption during the previous government's time had triggered anger among people.

"In our country it doesn't take much for allegations to come up against politicians... Someone made 50 crores, someone's son made 250 crores, (someone's) daughter made 500 crores, (someone's) damaad (son-in-law) made 1000 crores..." he said addressing the Indian community at the packed SAP Centre in San Jose, California.

Switching on to a question answer mode, he asked the audience "Is the country not disappointed?" The people replied "yes". "Is there not anger against corruption," he asked.

"Yes," people shouted. Mod then asked, "I am standing before you. Tell me if there is any allegation against me." "No," people shouted. He then told the crowd that he is giving every minute of his life in the service of the nation and he would live and die for the country.

While Modi's reference to sons and daughters of politicians being corrupt is seen as a reference to culture of corruption in the country, the reference to son-in-law is seen as a barb at alleged land deals entered into by Vadra with the some state governments.

PTI