Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi over austerity appeal calls it proof of failure
Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on PM Modi over his recent appeal urging citizens to cut down on spending and conserve foreign exchange amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s remarks at a BJP rally in Hyderabad, the Congress leader described the appeal as “proof of failure” and accused the government of shifting responsibility onto ordinary citizens.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Yesterday, Modi ji asked the public to make sacrifices — 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 — they’re proof of failure.”
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha further claimed that the appeal reflected the shortcomings of the Modi government’s 12-year tenure at the Centre.
“In 12 years, he has brought the country to such a stage that people are now being told what to buy, what not to buy, where to go and where not to go. Every time, responsibility is shifted onto the public so that accountability can be avoided. Running the country is no longer within the remit of a compromised PM,” Gandhi said.
The remarks came after PM Modi, while addressing party workers and supporters in Hyderabad on Sunday, urged citizens to adopt austerity measures to help reduce pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
The Prime Minister advised people to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport such as metro services, adopt carpooling, switch to electric vehicles and continue work-from-home practices wherever possible. He also appealed to citizens to postpone foreign travel and gold purchases for one year and reduce the use of edible oils and chemical fertilisers.
“We have to save foreign exchange by any means,” PM Modi said, drawing comparisons with lifestyle adjustments made during the Covid-19 pandemic. He noted that Indians had successfully adapted to work-from-home arrangements, virtual meetings and video conferencing during the health crisis.
The Congress party has intensified its criticism of the Centre over the appeal, questioning the government’s economic management and handling of the current global situation.
