Patna: Both the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress on Monday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's seven-point advisory urging citizens to make sacrifices in light of the grim economic situation stemming from the Middle-East war. The opposition parties claimed that the advisory amounted to an admission that an economic 'tsunami' was imminent, with the middle classes and poor sections of society bearing the brunt.
Opposition's Reaction
The opposition parties highlighted that the Prime Minister had remained silent on the issue throughout the elections. Former RJD MLA Ramanuj Prasad and the party's state general secretary Bhai Arun stated, 'The advice given by PM Modi to the people amounted to finally admitting the unfolding of a severe economic crisis in the country. It also indicated that the middle classes and poor sections would be hurt most by the economic tsunami.'
Congress's Sharp Attack
State Congress spokesman Rajesh Rathore launched a sharp attack on the Prime Minister, saying, 'Starting with notebandi (demonetisation of Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes), through mishandling of GST and the coronavirus pandemic, PM Modi's singular contribution has been the destruction of the country's economy. Today, he wants sacrifices from people, but why should he ask people to make sacrifices every time?'
RJD Leaders' Concerns
Senior RJD leaders claimed that since no major elections are scheduled in the immediate future before the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections next year, there could soon be a steep rise in the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG, and other essential commodities. Referring to PM Modi's statement that the Centre was bearing the burden of losses arising out of crude oil imports, the RJD leaders said that when former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was in office in 2014, crude oil prices ranged between 110 and 115 US dollars per barrel, while petrol and diesel were sold at Rs75 per litre and Rs57 per litre respectively. 'He never spoke in the manner the present PM is speaking. What PM Modi is saying is that the central government is not earning the desired profits on the sale of petrol and diesel,' they said, expressing fears of a sharp rise in fuel prices.
Allegations on Gold Donation
'PM Modi used to publicly say the coming to power of the opposition, including the grand alliance, would result in the seizure of the mangalsutras of mothers and sisters. Yesterday, he said he is not asking people to donate their gold to him. However, going by the manner of his public avowal and actual practice, he might eventually ask people to donate their gold to increase gold reserves,' the RJD leaders alleged.
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About the Author
Abhay Singh completed higher secondary from Sainik School Telaiya, Hazaribagh (now in Jharkhand), and graduated in history from Patna College. He started as a freelance journalist for Free Press Journal (Mumbai) from Patna, then joined The Times of India, Patna, as a staff reporter, got promoted to senior reporter, and later briefly functioned as news editor. In reporting, he initially covered districts like Darbhanga and Bhagalpur, and then from Patna, covered state politics, political parties, elections, state assembly, government, cabinet, departments like finance, irrigation, and others, as well as the Chief Minister, occasionally PM's tours, and social issues. He has written two books: first, 'Bihar in Messianic Times,' and second, 'The First Address,' on the Governor House (Bihar), commissioned by the Response wing of The Times of India, Patna.
