The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday justified Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation tour, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties amid his own 'save fuel' appeal to the nation.
BJP's Defense of the Foreign Visit
BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated, 'In the current global circumstances, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a very important foreign visit to safeguard the interests of every Indian with great wisdom and foresight.' The party emphasized that the tour is essential for protecting India's strategic and economic interests.
Opposition Criticism
The opposition has targeted PM Modi for leaving the country after urging citizens to reduce foreign travel and save fuel due to the Middle East crisis. His absence during the NEET paper leak controversy has also been heavily criticized. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned, 'Where is Modi? He is on a foreign tour of seven countries.' Raut added, 'The BJP is in a state of happiness, celebrating his welcome in the Netherlands. But Modi should come here--our culture is going into the abyss.'
Raut also criticized PM Modi for receiving awards abroad, referring to the 'Royal Order of Polar Star Commander Grand Cross' conferred by Sweden. 'He will complete the century in getting awards. He gets the highest award in whatever country he visits... What will he do with this award?... He is telling us not to go on foreign trips, and he himself is visiting countries,' Raut said.
Defense of the Award
Defending the award, Trivedi said PM Modi has received 31 international honours during his tenure and is counted among the world's most popular leaders. 'PM Modi, who has consistently been counted among the world's most popular leaders for many years, has now received 31 international honours during his tenure. As the name itself suggests, the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star', the Polar Star is known in Hindi as 'Dhruv Tara'. In the same way, it is a steadfast truth that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India has achieved a position in the world that fills every Indian with pride. This honour is not merely an honour for Narendra Modi as an individual,' he said.
Context of the Tour
PM Modi's tour comes amid his voluntary austerity push through 'seven appeals' to citizens in response to the West Asia crisis. The conflict has disrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies, triggering a surge in crude oil prices, weakening the rupee, and mounting pressure on India's foreign exchange reserves.
PM Modi's Seven-Point Appeal
PM Modi's seven-point appeal urges people to adopt work-from-home practices, defer gold purchases, cut down on foreign travel and destination weddings, reduce edible oil consumption and chemical fertiliser use, prioritise 'Swadeshi' products, and rely more on railways for logistics and transport.
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