No one will be exempt from new anti-corruption law: PM

New Delhi, Aug 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that the Centre is preparing to introduce a stringent anti-corruption law that would apply to the highest political offices in the country, including the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers.

Addressing a public gathering in Bihar, Modi said the move was necessary to ensure that the fight against corruption reaches its logical conclusion and no one remains outside the purview of accountability. He noted that under current rules, even a junior government employee is automatically suspended if taken into custody for 48 hours, yet top political leaders continue to enjoy power and privileges despite facing serious charges.

Citing recent instances of files being cleared and official orders issued from jail, the Prime Minister questioned how the fight against corruption could succeed if leaders clung to office while behind bars. Outlining the proposed law, Modi said any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister arrested on corruption charges would be required to secure bail within 30 days. Failing that, they would have to vacate their position on the 31st day. “This law will ensure that corrupt individuals not only go to jail but also lose their positions of power,” he declared. Modi accused opposition parties of resisting the legislation out of fear, claiming that many of their leaders are either out on bail or facing investigations in scam-related cases. “They may hide their wrongdoings from others, but they themselves know what they have done,” he said. The Prime Minister added that leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad and B.R. Ambedkar could never have imagined a political culture where power-hungry individuals clung to office even while in jail. Stressing that the Constitution demands honesty and transparency from every representative, he vowed that his government would not allow its dignity to be undermined. “The resolve to free India from corruption is a collective commitment of crores of citizens and this resolve will be fulfilled,” Modi asserted.