A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a national movement to curb fuel and gold consumption, the political climate has intensified. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other prominent opposition figures have hit back, labeling the Prime Minister’s appeals as an admission of economic mismanagement and an attempt to shift accountability onto the public.
Rahul Gandhi Calls Measures an “Escape from Accountability”
In a sharp critique posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi argued that the government’s request for “sacrifices”—such as avoiding foreign travel and using less petrol—is evidence that the administration has lost control of the economy.
“These aren’t sermons—these are proofs of failure,” Gandhi stated. He alleged that after 12 years in power, the government is now dictating personal consumption choices to the public to mask its own shortcomings. Gandhi further claimed the Prime Minister is “compromised” and under international pressure, linking current foreign policy and trade deals to ongoing legal developments in the United States.
“The BJP is the Only Crisis,” says Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed these sentiments, describing the Prime Minister’s appeal as a post-election “admission of failure.” Yadav questioned the government’s long-term economic goals, asking how India could reach a $5 trillion economy while simultaneously imposing curbs on consumption and travel. “In reality, there is only one crisis for the country and its name is BJP,” Yadav posted on X.
PM Modi Defends Strategy, Hits Back at Congress
The criticisms follow the Prime Minister’s address in Hyderabad, where he urged citizens to revive Covid-era habits—including work-from-home, carpooling, and virtual meetings—to help India navigate global energy volatility caused by the US-Iran conflict. He emphasized that conserving foreign exchange and reducing oil dependence are essential for national resilience.
During his address, the Prime Minister also launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of radical shifts in its political ideology. He claimed the party has moved toward extreme leftist and communal positions, using the acronym “MMC” to characterize the modern Congress as a mix of “Muslim League and Maoist” influences.
The Current Economic Context
The political row comes as India faces significant external pressure:
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Fuel Prices: Brent crude remains near $105 per barrel, putting immense strain on oil marketing companies and the national deficit.
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Foreign Exchange: India’s reserves recently saw a sharp dip, prompting the government’s push to limit non-essential imports like gold.
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Policy Shift: The government is aiming for a 20% reduction in domestic fuel demand through these voluntary behavioral changes.
