Raids by the Enforcement Directorate have been crucial for many years now. The ED is in the headlines often. During the UPA years (2004-2014), the ED attached Rs 5,086 Cr in ten years. In contrast, during the NDA years (2014-2023) led by Narendra Modi, the ED has attached Rs 1,19,555 Cr.
But does this mean that the government's exchequer has been enriched by tnearly Rs 1.20 lakh crore? Not at all. "These are not real figures. These are just the estimated value of assets seized by ED. Whether the government can monetize it will depend on judgement from courts," writes a Twitter user.
Attachments and recovery are two different things. "Attachment is the first step towards recovery. Once an asset is attached, till the courts nullify the same, the owner can’t use or stake claim on it. Till the court’s decision, the asset remains with the Government," a Netizen explains.
There is a criticism that the Modi government uses ED raids to intimidate opponents.
