As the INDIA bloc parties intensify their criticism of the Central government over what they allege is the misuse of probe agencies, particularly in the backdrop of the recent arrests of Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has refuted these claims, asserting that the opposition is attempting to deceive the public. In an interview with ANI, Singh dismissed the accusations, stating that opposition parties are trying to cover up their own "mistakes and weaknesses".
Responding to Congress's allegations of BJP's "washing machine" making leaders who join it from other parties "clean" of the cases faced by them earlier, Singh rejected the claims outright. Referring to Arvind Kejriwal, Singh asked if AAP leader Sanjay Singh could get bail, and why other leaders weren't able to get similar relief from courts.
"Even if it is assumed that he went to jail because of us, why is he not getting relief? Have we taken control of the courts also? What are these people trying to say? Let them have the audacity to say we have captured courts also...is it possible?" he asked. "It seems they don't have faith in courts. If there is a verdict against in courts, we will accept it," he added.
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When asked about the allegations levelled by the opposition parties including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC), Rajnath said the probe agencies like the Enforcement Directorate. CBI and Income Tax were doing their job.
Singh reiterated the government's commitment to combatting corruption, emphasising Prime Minister Modi's resolve to create a corruption-free India. He pointed out that those facing allegations have the option to seek protection from the courts, indicating that the judicial process is fair and transparent.
"India has to be made corruption-free, this is the resolve of our Prime Minister. If they (opposition parties) feel that they have been framed, their leaders are in jail on baseless allegations, they can get protection from the courts. If Sanjay Singh (AAP leader) can get bail, why other (party leaders) have not been able to get similar relief," he asked.
Apart from Delhi Chief Minister, some other AAP leaders including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia are in jail in the Delhi excise policy case. Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha is also in jail in the same case. In January, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was also arrested by the ED in a money laundering case.
(With ANI Inputs)