- Opposition attacks PM Modi over austerity appeal to citizens
- Rahul Gandhi calls measures “proof of failure”
- Centre to review fuel, inflation and supply chain impact today
- Government urges reduced fuel use, foreign travel and gold buying
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th May: Opposition parties on Sunday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his appeal urging citizens to adopt austerity measures amid the escalating Middle East crisis, accusing the Centre of shifting the burden of economic uncertainty onto ordinary people.
The political attack came after Modi asked citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, postpone gold purchases and adopt work-from-home arrangements to help India manage global instability, inflationary pressure and supply chain disruptions arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
The Centre has also intensified monitoring of the situation, with an important meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, scheduled to review the impact of the crisis on fuel supplies, shipping routes, inflation and essential commodities.
Rahul Gandhi Calls Appeal ‘Proof of Failure’
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the Prime Minister’s directives as evidence of economic failure.
“Modi ji demanded sacrifices from the public yesterday — don’t buy gold, don’t go abroad, use less petrol, cut down on fertiliser and cooking oil, take the metro, work from home. These aren’t sermons — these are proofs of failure,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram questioned the reasons behind the Prime Minister’s advisory and demanded an immediate Parliament session.
“What are the triggers for this? The Government must take the nation into confidence and explain the true state of affairs,” he said.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal accused the government of failing to protect India’s energy interests despite prolonged global uncertainty.
“It is shameless, reckless and immoral that the PM is pushing inconvenience onto common citizens instead of ensuring the economy remains insulated from this global crisis,” Venugopal said.
TMC Questions Government’s Message
Saket Gokhale of the All India Trinamool Congress questioned whether India was facing a possible foreign exchange or balance of payments crisis.
“If ministers continue flying on Air Force aircraft and travelling in huge convoys, why should citizens alone be asked to sacrifice?” he asked.
The opposition also questioned the timing of the Prime Minister’s appeal, suggesting the announcement came only after several key state elections had concluded.
PM Calls for ‘Nation First’ Participation
Speaking in Hyderabad, Modi had appealed for “collective participation” under a “Nation First” approach to reduce the economic impact of the global crisis.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to prioritise public transport, electric vehicles and work from home wherever possible while discouraging unnecessary overseas travel and destination weddings for one year.
He also appealed to people to avoid non-essential gold purchases to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and encouraged greater use of Made in India products.
Families were advised to reduce edible oil consumption, while farmers were encouraged to shift towards natural farming methods and solar-powered irrigation systems.
Government sources said the IGoM has already held four meetings in recent months to monitor the impact of Middle East tensions on India’s economy, fuel security and supply chains amid volatility in global oil markets.
