Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the party is now talking about crisis and restrictions for the common man after the conclusion of assembly elections in five states. He questioned how India could achieve its 5-trillion USD economy dream if such restrictions are imposed.
Akhilesh questions timing of PM's call for measures
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on saving foreign exchange amid the ongoing war crisis, Akhilesh said, “If restrictions are imposed, how will India realize the 5-trillion USD economy dream?” On Sunday, the PM had called for 'Covid-era measures' to combat the Middle East crisis, urging people to stop buying gold for a year, reduce foreign travel, and adopt work-from-home to cut fuel usage and save foreign exchange. The PM stressed collective participation to help India face global economic disruptions, supply chain challenges, and rising prices caused by international conflicts.
Real crisis is BJP itself, says Akhilesh
“The BJP is talking about a crisis. The real crisis is BJP itself,” Akhilesh said, adding that the slew of restrictions suggested by the PM would take a toll on India’s target of becoming a 5-trillion USD economy. “The value of the dollar has skyrocketed, and that of our country’s rupee is headed further down,” the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said.
He urged the BJP not to ask people to stop buying gold but instead to stop its corrupt leaders who are busy converting black money into gold. “The common man cannot afford to buy gold, which is being sold for Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 grams,” the SP chief remarked.
Double standards of BJP exposed
Akhilesh questioned the timing of the government's call for curbs, coming just days after the assembly election results of five states were announced. He asked, “What about the thousands of chartered flights that the BJP leadership undertook during the elections? Were these flights using water instead of jet fuel? Why did the BJP not opt for addressing public meetings through videoconferencing? Why are all the restrictions for the common people only?”
The SP chief said the BJP's call for restrictions has sent a wave of uncertainty and fear of economic slowdown across the trader and business community. “People are disheartened. It is the government’s responsibility to put its abundant resources to good use and bring the country out of the economic emergency-like situation,” he said.
Failed foreign policy behind crisis, says Akhilesh
According to Akhilesh, more than the international situation, the real reason behind the present crisis is a failed foreign policy where the country steered away from its conventional, time-tested path to side with certain power pockets due to specific reasons and pressures. “It is ironical that people of the country are being made to face the impact of this shift in the form of economic slowdown, unemployment, and price rise,” he concluded.
