Proofs of failure: Opposition attacks PM Modi over covid-era measures pitch amid energy crisis
Leaders from the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Trinamool Congress accused the Centre of policy failures, weak economic planning, and hypocrisy.
PTC News Desk: Opposition parties strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he appealed to people to follow austerity measures due to the worsening Middle East crisis. Opposition leaders questioned whether the government was preparing for a bigger economic crisis while putting the burden on common citizens.
Leaders from the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Trinamool Congress accused the Centre of policy failures, weak economic planning, and hypocrisy. Their remarks came after the Prime Minister asked people to avoid foreign travel, reduce fuel use, delay buying gold, and restart work-from-home practices to help India deal with global instability and rising inflation linked to the Middle East conflict.
The political attack grew stronger as the Centre also stepped up preparations over the crisis. A key meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled for 10.30 am today. Ministers and senior officials are expected to discuss the impact of the situation on fuel supplies, shipping routes, inflation, and essential goods.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described PM Modi’s appeal as “proof of failure.”
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal accused the government of failing to secure India's energy interests despite months of global turmoil.
"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," he said, alleging that the Centre remained more focused on elections than economic preparedness.
Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale also questioned whether India was staring at a forex 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, also questioning the timing of the announcement after several state elections had concluded.