Akhilesh Yadav Slams Modi's Austerity Appeal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a seven-point appeal for austerity measures, including reducing fuel consumption, postponing gold purchases, and limiting foreign travel, to strengthen India's economy amidst the West Asia conflict. This appeal was met with strong criticism from India — Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who termed it an 'admission of failure' by the India — Bharatiya Janata Party government. Yadav alleged mismanagement of both the economy and foreign policy, pointing to the weakening India — Indian rupee against the United States and questioning the government's ability to achieve a 'five trillion dollar economy' under such restrictions. He also criticized the timing of the appeal, coming after elections, and suggested that advice on gold purchases should be directed at 'corrupt BJP leaders'. Yadav warned that such statements could spread fear and anxiety in trade, business, and markets, leading to apprehensions of recession and inflation. He further blamed the India — Bharatiya Janata Party government's foreign policy for the economic strain, claiming it had deviated from India's traditional non-aligned approach.