PM Modi hits out at critics

Shanghai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday broke his silence on opposition criticism over his frequent foreign visits and took veiled digs at his critics back home, saying he was being attacked for “tireless” work and asserted that if it was a “crime” he would continue to do it.

Modi, who came under attack over his criticism of previous governments during his last trip to Germany, France and Canada, “People are asking why is Modi travelling to so many countries...If you work less, criticism is normal. If you keep sleeping, criticism is normal. But it is my bad luck that I am being criticised for working more.”

He asserted that “If working more is a crime, I will keep doing it. My commitment is to the people.”

Addressing Indian community here before winding up his three-day China tour, he said “times are changing” and the world is now looking at India differently because of the performance of his government during the last one year which was a “matter of pride” for every citizen.

Modi, who recounted that it was on this day last year that results of the Lok Sabha elections came, said he had then made three commitments — “I will work tirelessly”, “I am inexperienced and will learn” and that “I will not do any wrong with bad intent”. He said he had fulfilled all the three commitments.