29 March,2026 03:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Modi urges unity, warns opposition against politicising West Asia crisis. File PIC
In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling it a "challenging" time for India and the world.
Prime Minister delivered a strong but indirect message to opposition parties while speaking in the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat,. Without naming anyone, he cautioned against politicising the crisis and said such behaviour harms national interest.
"There is no place for self-serving politics," Modi said, in what was widely seen as a veiled attack on critics questioning the government's handling of the situation. He also warned against the spread of rumours, urging citizens to rely only on official information.
He also highlighted that millions of Indians live in Gulf countries and thanked those nations for supporting Indian citizens during the crisis. Addressing concerns over fuel supply, Modi reassured the public that India is handling the global energy situation and continues to receive supplies of petrol, diesel, and gas.
Without naming specific parties, the Prime Minister's remarks were seen as a response to opposition criticism. He stressed that the situation requires collective effort rather than political blame.
BJP leader Tarun Chugh echoed this sentiment, targeting the Congress party and specifically Rahul Gandhi, he alleged that a climate of fear is being intentionally created in the country. Chugh claimed that efforts are underway to mislead the public by spreading "artificial fear," and alleged that a conspiracy to weaken India is being orchestrated with the backing of foreign powers as reported the ANI.
The opposition, however, strongly criticised the Prime Minister's remarks. Referring to the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Gulf nations for supporting Indians living there and said India is dealing with the global fuel crisis firmly, Congress MP KC Venugopal dismissed the Mann Ki Baat address as ineffective, saying,
"This Mann Ki Baat will not solve the issues. He has to act. But the Government of India's inaction is the main reason for all this crisis for Indians," as reported by ANI.
Venugopal accused the government of failing to support Indians living in Gulf countries who are facing difficulties due to the ongoing conflict. He claimed that the Centre has not taken adequate steps to address their concerns.
He also pointed to rising fuel prices and an alleged LPG crisis, saying both the central and state governments have not done enough to ease the burden on citizens.
The exchange highlights growing political tensions over how the government is handling the West Asia crisis. With the government accusing the opposition of irresponsible criticism, the opposition continues accusing the government of inaction.
As the West Asia conflict continues to affect global energy supplies and Indian citizens overseas, the political battle over responsibility and response is expected to intensify.
(With ANI inputs)
