Bengaluru: Following the international oil crisis triggered by the Iran-US conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘austerity’ to the citizens has caused a stir in the political arena. While Congress leaders are mocking PM Modi’s eight suggestions—which include using public transport, limiting the use of cooking oil, and avoiding gold purchases—BJP leaders are retaliating by digging up historical records.
Old Videos Become Weapons Against Congress Criticism
As Congress leaders criticize PM Modi’s advice, BJP leaders are sharing videos and press clippings of austerity measures suggested during Congress administrations to justify the Prime Minister's stance.
Veerappa Moily’s Video Goes Viral: BJP MLA Suresh Kumar shared a video of a statement made by Veerappa Moily in 2013, when he was the Petroleum Minister, regarding closing petrol bunks after 8 PM to save fuel. Back then, Moily had requested citizens to reduce unnecessary travel and use only one car if a household owned three.
R. Ashoka’s Attack: Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka tweeted criticizing the economic ignorance of Congress members. He lashed out, stating, "Congressmen who oppose the visionary advice given by Modi in the interest of the nation should look back at their own history once".
From the Pages of History: Appeals by Indira Gandhi and Chidambaram
BJP leaders reminded Congress leaders of the past decisions made by their own party leaders:
Indira Gandhi’s 1967 Appeal: Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had appealed to the people "not to buy gold" for the sake of the country's economic discipline.
P. Chidambaram’s 2013 Statement: During the UPA government, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram repeatedly urged people to "give up the obsession with gold" to balance the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
DKS Hits Back: ‘You Follow It First’
Objecting to PM Modi’s suggestions, DCM D.K. Shivakumar questioned, "Is it possible to tell those performing weddings and ceremonies not to buy gold?". Asking if women can be told not to wear Mangalsutras or chains, he challenged Union Ministers and BJP MLAs to lead by example by using public transport before imposing austerity on the people.
Indira Gandhi and the Gold Connection: What Happened Then?
According to media reports, during the hardships of war, Indira Gandhi had donated 367 grams of her gold jewelry to the National Relief Fund while she was Prime Minister. Furthermore, reports mention that during the 1991 economic crisis, India pledged 47 tons of gold with the Bank of England to improve its financial condition. Prime Minister Modi's mantra of austerity has currently become a stage for political mudslinging, and it remains to be seen what turn this will take in the coming days.