Many have used 'India' name to loot nation: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a fresh attack on the opposition grouping Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), terming it “directionless” and saying people cannot be misled merely by the use of the country’s name, citing the usage in East India Company, which colonised India and the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

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Addressing a closed-door Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary party meeting, he said first the British came to loot India. “The East India Company kept India in its name and looted us. In 1869, AO Hume created Indian National Congress... he built the party with India’s name to loot India.”

Modi’s reference was to British administrator Allan Octavian Hume, who was among the founders of the Indian National Congress that led the national movement.

People aware of the details of Modi’s speech said he added that terror groups also used the country’s name — Indian Mujahideen and PFI. Indian Mujahideen has been blamed for a series of blasts while the Union government outlawed PFI and its affiliates for five years last year, accusing them of radicalisation and terrorist activities.

Modi said people have now wisened up and will not be misled by nomenclature. He added that the India of 2023 will not allow itself to get looted. “It is a new India... which will not allow itself to be fooled.”

Modi called the INDIA grouping a collection of corrupt leaders and parties. He said the Opposition is frustrated and disappointed and its conduct shows that the political status quo will continue.

“It seems the opposition has made up its mind to stay in the opposition,” he added.

The people cited above said Modi referred to bureaucracy and said whenever there are elections, it becomes a little lethargic but that this was not really the case now. “Six months before the elections, people stop working and stop listening to politicians. The system is a little different this time around.”