Raj Thackeray Slams Modi Over Austerity Call

Mumbai | Raj Thackeray has launched a fierce attack on Narendra Modi over the Centre’s recent appeal for austerity, questioning whether the government and ruling party are ready to practice the same restraint they are advising citizens to follow.

In a strongly-worded social media post, Raj Thackeray criticized the government’s call asking people to reduce gold purchases, cut fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and adopt work-from-home options wherever possible.

He directly questioned the sincerity of the appeal and asked, “How much austerity will the government and ruling party themselves follow before advising citizens?”

Thackeray alleged that massive amounts of public money and fuel are spent on political roadshows, security convoys, election rallies, and publicity campaigns led by top BJP leaders across the country.

“Will the government stop this extravagance first?” he questioned.

Also Read | Kerala CM Mystery Continues, Congress Summons Leaders

He also targeted the Centre over rising petrol and diesel prices, pointing out that international crude oil rates had earlier touched 90 to 100 dollars per barrel, yet such public appeals were never issued during that period.

According to Thackeray, citizens continued to pay expensive fuel prices even when global crude rates had declined significantly.

“When oil prices were low, people were still forced to buy costly petrol and diesel. Where exactly did that money go?” he asked.

The MNS chief further attacked what he described as the government’s “freebie politics” or “revdi culture.” Referring to schemes such as Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin initiative and welfare promises made during elections in various states, he accused political parties of using taxpayer-funded schemes to secure votes while weakening the economy.

“If the country and state economies are becoming financially weaker, will the government stop such schemes?” he asked.

Raj Thackeray also took a direct swipe at PM Modi over foreign travel. He pointed out that while citizens are being advised to avoid international trips, the Prime Minister himself is scheduled to begin a five-nation foreign tour from May 15.

“First stop your own foreign tours and then advise citizens,” he remarked.

Drawing a comparison with former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Thackeray said Shastri had appealed for austerity during wartime but had first implemented it personally before asking citizens to sacrifice.

“Will today’s rulers show the same honesty in action?” he questioned.

In the concluding part of his statement, Raj Thackeray demanded a special session of Parliament to openly discuss the current condition of India’s economy.

“We may be political opponents, but we are not enemies of the nation. Asking questions will not stop,” he stated.

He finally urged the government to begin austerity measures within its own administration and political machinery before imposing moral advice on ordinary citizens.

Follow MahaENews-X on: Follow MahaENews on Instagram