The Shiv Sena has, through its mouthpiece Saamana, come down heavily on a statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Doha regarding India being plagued by corruption. The editorial has said that as Modi is the face of the nation, his remarks maligned the nation’s image. It has also questioned whether the Gandhi family could be held responsible for financial scams in the BJP-ruled states.

Referring to Mr Modi’s speech at Doha on Sunday, Saamana stated that the Prime Minister said that he “faced problems” by depriving the “sweets of many” and saved over `36,000 crore annually by stopping leakage and theft in government schemes.

“The Prime Minister garnered applause for speaking on how corrupt India is. This is like maligning the reputation of the country on foreign soil. If people are talking about corruption two years after the new government came to power then whom do we blame for it Or do we attribute what is happening in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to the Gandhi family ” the editorial said.

The editorial further added that since Mr Modi is the face of the nation, other countries might believe what he says about India, which in turn might affect the financial condition of the country.

“Other countries might believe what he had said and thus take decisions based on it which might affect the financial condition of India. Jibes at opposition should be taken within the country itself. One does not need to go to America or Europe to take potshots at Mr Modi or the Gandhi family,” it added.

Sena, an ally of the ruling NDA, said that leveling corruption charges against Robert Vadra and Gandhi family was not enough. The editorial further said that it was time to act against them if they have indulged in wrongdoings. “(Former Maharashtra deputy chief minister) Ajit Pawar had recently said he lost power because he lost control on his tongue. This should become a political mantra,” the Sena said.