Gurdaspur MP Randhawa Slams Central Government Over Rupee Depreciation
Chandigarh: In a sharp critique on Saturday, Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa lambasted the central government over the ongoing depreciation of the Indian rupee, which has intensified amid rising military tensions between the United States and Iran. Randhawa, a former deputy chief minister of Punjab, asserted that the BJP-led administration cannot conceal its economic policy failures by attributing them to global conditions.
Rupee Fall Reflects Weakening International Confidence
Randhawa emphasised that the falling rupee is a clear indicator of diminishing international confidence in India's economy. He recalled hearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the issue of a weakening rupee during his tenure as chief minister and is now awaiting Modi's views as Prime Minister. "When will the Prime Minister break his silence and address this critical issue?" Randhawa questioned, urging transparency from the government.
Economic Claims Versus Reality
The MP challenged the government's assertions of a robust economy, demanding an explanation for the rupee's persistent decline against the dollar. He referenced earlier promises that the rupee would strengthen significantly, noting that the dollar has now crossed Rs 94 and could potentially exceed Rs 100, according to estimates. This discrepancy between claims and reality underscores deeper economic vulnerabilities, Randhawa argued.
Impact on Inflation and Public Burden
Randhawa highlighted the direct consequences of a weakening rupee on everyday life, stating that it drives up prices of essential commodities such as:
- Petrol and diesel
- Cooking gas
- Other imported goods
This, in turn, fuels inflation and places an additional burden on common citizens. He warned that without timely economic interventions, inflation and unemployment could escalate further, exacerbating public hardship.
Call for Effective Economic Policies
In his concluding remarks, Randhawa demanded that the government adopt effective and transparent policies to:
- Strengthen the economy
- Stabilise the rupee
- Provide relief to the public
He stressed that proactive measures are essential to mitigate the adverse effects of global tensions and domestic economic challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and stability for India.
