Panaji: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Tuesday accused the BJP government of hypocrisy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal urging citizens to reduce gold purchases, cut foreign travel and conserve fuel.
Congress President Criticizes PM's Appeal
Goa Congress president Amit Patkar said BJP ministers should first practice austerity before advising citizens to tighten spending. "The Prime Minister is now telling people to stop buying gold, reduce travel and save fuel. Tomorrow he will say milk has become expensive, so drink black tea," Patkar said, criticizing the Centre over rising prices and economic management.
Targeting Chief Minister Sawant
Patkar also targeted chief minister Pramod Sawant, alleging a contradiction between the PM's message and BJP's political activities. "If the chief minister wants people to follow Modi's advice, he and his ministers should first start travelling by public transport," he said, referring to Sawant's visit to Assam for a BJP swearing-in ceremony a day after endorsing the PM's remarks.
Extravagant Ceremonies Questioned
He further criticized what he described as extravagant swearing-in ceremonies held in BJP-ruled states, saying the government should curb public expenditure on events before asking citizens to make sacrifices. GPCC media and communication department chairman Amarnath Panjikar also questioned expenditure on government-backed events, including Dabolim Musical Waves 2026, alleging that BJP was promoting austerity for citizens while indulging in extravagance at public expense.
