Opposition parties launched strong criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his appeal urging citizens to adopt austerity measures amid the escalating Middle East crisis and concerns over global economic instability. Leaders from the Indian National Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and All India Trinamool Congress accused the Centre of poor economic planning and attempting to shift the burden of the crisis onto ordinary citizens rather than addressing structural policy concerns.

The criticism followed the Prime Minister’s remarks in Hyderabad, where he appealed for “collective participation” to help India manage the economic impact of global conflicts and disruptions in international supply chains. Under what the government described as a “Nation First” approach, Modi urged people to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, postpone overseas weddings, adopt work-from-home arrangements where possible, and limit non-essential gold purchases for one year. He also encouraged the use of public transport, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured products.

The Centre’s appeal came amid growing concerns over rising oil prices, inflationary pressure, and uncertainty caused by the worsening geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly tensions linked to the Iran conflict. An important meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was scheduled to review the impact of the crisis on fuel supplies, shipping routes, essential commodities, and India’s broader economic preparedness. Officials are also expected to discuss contingency measures to protect supply chains and stabilise domestic markets.

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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister’s directives, calling them “proof of failure” rather than economic guidance. In a post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi argued that asking citizens to sacrifice by reducing travel, fuel use, and spending reflected shortcomings in the government’s handling of the economy. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also questioned the seriousness of the situation and demanded that Parliament be convened immediately so the government could explain the country’s economic position and preparedness.

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal accused the government of failing to adequately safeguard India’s energy and economic interests despite months of global instability. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale questioned whether the country was facing a potential foreign exchange or balance of payments crisis. He also criticised what he described as unequal expectations, arguing that ordinary citizens were being asked to make sacrifices while government officials continued extensive travel and official expenditure.

The government, however, has defended the appeal as a precautionary and patriotic response to evolving global challenges. Officials said the recommendations were aimed at reducing pressure on foreign exchange reserves, limiting dependence on imports, and encouraging sustainable consumption practices. Farmers were also urged to reduce chemical fertiliser use and adopt natural farming and solar-powered irrigation methods. The IGoM has reportedly held several meetings in recent months to monitor the impact of the Middle East conflict on India’s economy, reflecting growing concern within the government over volatility in international energy markets and global trade routes.

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