Indian opposition figure Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the latter’s recent exhortations for citizens to cut back on spending and embrace austerity measures amid mounting economic challenges.
In a pointed social media statement, Gandhi ridiculed Modi’s calls for the public to limit fuel usage, reduce consumption of cooking oil and fertilizers, avoid foreign travel, and increase reliance on public transportation and remote work. He argued these measures were not genuine “national sacrifices” but rather signs of the government’s failure to manage the economy effectively after over a decade in power.
The Congress leader accused Modi’s administration of consistently deflecting responsibility for economic difficulties onto ordinary citizens instead of acknowledging accountability for inflation, soaring fuel prices, and declining purchasing power. He contended that the government was now dictating citizens’ choices on purchases, travel, and lifestyle due to flawed policies at the highest level.
In a significant development, Gandhi described Modi as a “compromised” prime minister who is struggling to govern the country efficiently, intensifying the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party.
The remarks sparked widespread discussion across Indian social media platforms, with supporters of the opposition amplifying Gandhi’s criticism, while BJP loyalists defended the government’s push for economic discipline and reduced consumption as necessary steps.
