12 May,2026 11:06 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. File Pic
Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal promoting the use of indigenous products and reduced dependence on imports, describing the move as an important step towards strengthening India's economy, reported ANI.
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Bawankule said the Prime Minister's call for "Swadeshi" reflected the same spirit of self-reliance advocated by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement, reported ANI.
He said encouraging domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign goods would help India move towards becoming a stronger and more economically self-sufficient nation.
The Maharashtra minister said India possesses enough resources and production capacity to reduce reliance on imported goods, including precious metals and consumer products.
According to Bawankule, the Prime Minister's appeal encourages citizens and businesses to support local industries instead of prioritising foreign markets and imported commodities, reported ANI.
He added that strengthening indigenous manufacturing and consumption would contribute to long-term economic stability and growth.
Bawankule also said the concept of "Swadeshi" was deeply rooted in India's history and continued to remain relevant in the current global economic environment.
Prime Minister Modi had made the appeal while addressing a public gathering in Secunderabad on Sunday amid concerns over the ongoing West Asia conflict and its possible impact on the global economy.
During his speech, the Prime Minister urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel and give preference to locally made products.
He also encouraged greater use of public transport, metro rail services, electric buses and carpooling in order to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.
The Prime Minister further advised government offices and private organisations to prioritise virtual meetings and work-from-home arrangements wherever possible to cut operational costs and fuel usage.
PM Modi also appealed to citizens to postpone non-essential gold purchases for the time being, noting that India spends a significant amount of foreign exchange on gold imports.
In addition, he encouraged people to reduce edible oil consumption and promote natural farming practices as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic resilience.
The Prime Minister's remarks triggered criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the government of mishandling the economy and creating unnecessary public anxiety.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the timing of the appeal and alleged that the government had raised concerns about economic pressures only after the completion of Assembly elections in several states, reported ANI.
In a post on social media platform X, Yadav described the Centre's advisory as an "admission of failure" and criticised the BJP's economic policies.
He also questioned why the ruling party itself had not reduced election-related expenditure, including extensive campaign travel and large-scale political events.
Yadav further argued that such public appeals could create uncertainty in markets and business sectors by increasing fears related to inflation and economic slowdown.
The BJP, however, has defended the Prime Minister's remarks, saying the appeal was aimed at promoting responsible consumption and strengthening India's economic self-reliance during a period of global uncertainty.
(With inputs from ANI)
