Back in 2014, the nation was promised a clean-up of the economy. Remember those fiery speeches? The grand assurance that every indian would get ₹15 lakh in their bank account once the dreaded black money stashed in swiss vaults was brought back. people cheered, opposition trembled, whatsapp forwards thrived. Black money was the villain, and Modi ji was the superhero.
Fast forward to 2025, and suddenly the script has flipped. The prime minister now seems to say: “I don’t care if it’s black, white, green, or even Monopoly money — just invest in India.”
Excuse me? From “hunt down black money” to “hug black money”? From “Surgical strike on Benami wealth” to “Benami bhi chalega, bas Made in india khareedo”? This is like a teacher who once punished kids for cheating but later says, “Cheating or studying — as long as you pass, I’m happy.”
It’s not just a U-turn; it’s an Olympic-level backflip. And quite honestly, the statement raises uncomfortable questions. How can the head of government casually blur the line between legal and illegal wealth? Is the message to the corrupt: “Bas apna paisa desh mein lagao, FIR mein hum dekh lenge”?
Of course, his defenders are already rushing with damage control: “He didn’t mean black money, he meant black currency notes… He didn’t mean kaala dhan, he meant kaala dhan ki shirt color… He was speaking metaphorically about economic inclusivity.”
The problem is, words matter. When the top executive of the country uses “black or white” in reference to money, it doesn’t sound poetic — it sounds problematic. And when you’ve built your political capital on fighting black money, people are bound to notice when you suddenly develop color blindness.
This shift in rhetoric also tells a deeper story: the desperation for investments. With exports slowing, jobs lagging, and industrial growth stuttering, suddenly even “shady” money looks attractive. It’s like a shopkeeper who once swore he would only accept “pure gold,” but now, in tough times, is ready to settle for brass, copper, or even plastic coins — as long as the cash register rings.
So yes, “Nikal gayi hawa” fits perfectly. The anti–black money balloon of 2014 has deflated into a sad “any-money-will-do” kite in 2025.
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