Lucknow: UP Congress President Ajay Rai on Monday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference held at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee office in Lucknow.
The press conference was attended by former Legislative Council member Vivek Bansal and UP Congress vice-chairman Manish Hindvi, among other party leaders.
Questions Raised Over PM’s Appeal on Fuel and Gold Consumption
Addressing the media, Ajay Rai questioned the Prime Minister’s recent appeal asking citizens to avoid purchasing gold for a year and to conserve petrol and diesel.
Rai asked whether the country was facing an economic crisis or an emergency-like situation, and if so, why the Prime Minister was continuing with large public roadshows, including one held in Gujarat shortly after making the appeal.
He alleged that BJP leaders who had allegedly benefited financially while in power should be asked to contribute in the national interest. Rai also said the Prime Minister should reduce the size of his convoy and public events to help conserve fuel.
Congress Leader Cites Historical Example
Referring to the 1962 India-China war period, Ajay Rai said that then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had donated her jewellery, including 336 grams of gold, to the National Defence Fund during a time of national crisis.
He stated that political leaders must lead by example and accused the Prime Minister of misleading the public by not disclosing the seriousness of the economic situation earlier.
Allegations Against BJP Government
The UP Congress chief alleged that the BJP government had weakened the country economically over the past 12 years. He cited rising prices of cooking gas, food items, and school fees, claiming that common citizens were already under financial stress.
Rai further claimed that the Prime Minister’s appeal regarding reduced gold purchases and fuel usage could adversely affect jewellers, travel agencies, and businesses dependent on these sectors.
He also accused the Prime Minister of prioritising elections over public welfare, alleging that concerns about the economic situation were not raised earlier due to ongoing elections in several states.
The Congress leader concluded by saying that people were increasingly recognising what he described as a gap between the government’s statements and actions, and criticised the Centre for focusing more on electoral politics than public concerns.
