The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of hypocrisy following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal urging citizens to reduce gold purchases, cut foreign travel, and conserve fuel. Goa Congress president Amit Patkar stated that BJP ministers should first practice austerity before advising citizens to tighten their spending.
Congress Criticizes PM's Appeal
Patkar criticized the Prime Minister's remarks, saying, "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." He further attacked the central government over rising prices and economic mismanagement.
Targeting Chief Minister Pramod Sawant
Patkar also took aim at Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, alleging a contradiction between the PM's message and the 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," Patkar 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
The Congress leader further criticized what he described as extravagant swearing-in ceremonies held in BJP-ruled states, arguing that 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 the BJP was promoting austerity for citizens while indulging in extravagance at public expense.
