Asserting that his government was committed to fighting graft, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he will win the fight against corruption and poverty which has ruined the country.

“People are angry because of corruption as it has ruined the country. I assure you that we will fight corruption and work with all those who are against graft. There are also honest officers and we will work with them,” Modi said, while addressing a public meeting in Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He said corruption is the worst plague that has ruined the country. “Once it is rooted out, development will happen,” Modi said. Neither will I indulge in corruption, nor will I allow others to indulge in it, he added.

“My mantra is, Na khaoonga, na khane dunga (neither will I eat nor will I let others eat),” the prime minister asserted.

Modi said Kargil was witnessing such a large gathering of people after a very long time. “I am fortunate to have worked for the party organisation (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir. I used to visit the state often. I know the problems people face and most importantly I know the strength of this land,” he said.

Modi also said there will be a saffron revolution in J&K. However, he was quick to add it was kesar (the spice) of the state he was talking about.

“We need to bring in a saffron revolution and that is by giving impetus to saffron. Special attention should be given to farmers,” he said. Saffron is also the colour associated with the BJP.

Modi’s visit ahead of the J&K Assembly polls this year assumes significance as the BJP won the Ladakh Parliamentary constituency for the first time in this year’s Lok Sabha polls.