Maharashtra Opposition Targets PM Over Austerity Appeal
Sharad Pawar and Raj Thackeray question Centre’s message amid Middle East crisis concerns
- Opposition leaders criticise PM Modi’s austerity appeal
- Sharad Pawar seeks urgent all-party meeting on economy
- Raj Thackeray questions why citizens alone must sacrifice
- Congress says concerns were raised earlier by Rahul Gandhi
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 12th May: Opposition leaders in Maharashtra on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent appeal asking citizens to adopt austerity measures amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister had urged people to avoid non-essential gold purchases, reduce fuel consumption, postpone foreign travel and adopt work-from-home practices due to pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves and rising crude oil prices.
Reacting to the appeal, Sharad Pawar said the announcements could have “far-reaching impacts” on the Indian economy and had created anxiety among citizens, businesses and investors.
“The sudden nature of these announcements has created an atmosphere of unease among ordinary citizens, the industry-business sector, as well as investors,” Pawar said.
The Rajya Sabha MP also demanded an urgent all-party meeting and suggested discussions with industry leaders to address the situation.
Raj Thackeray Questions Political Spending
Raj Thackeray questioned why austerity measures were being demanded only from common citizens while political leaders continued extravagant campaigns and public events.
“Why should the common man suffer for your mistakes? Is austerity meant only for the citizens and never for the political class?” Thackeray asked in a statement.
He referred to helicopter tours, large political convoys, roadshows and flower showers during campaigns by senior BJP leaders.
Thackeray also argued that crude oil prices reaching USD 90-100 per barrel was not unprecedented and cited previous global crises, including the 2008 financial crash and OPEC-led production cuts.
He claimed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had not issued similar public appeals during earlier economic crises.
Congress Backs Opposition Attack
Senior Congress leader Nana Patole said concerns being raised now had earlier been flagged by Rahul Gandhi.
Patole also backed the demand for an all-party meeting, calling such consultations part of democratic tradition.
He alleged that Pakistan had gained diplomatic space due to India’s foreign policy positioning.
The Centre’s appeal came amid concerns over the economic impact of rising instability in West Asia and increasing global crude oil prices.
