Sharad Pawar and Raj Thackeray question PM Modi’s appeal to cut fuel use and spending

Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent appeal urging citizens to adopt austerity measures in view of the escalating crisis in West AsiaThe Prime Minister had urged people to prioritise work from home reduce fuel consumption avoid nonessential foreign travel buy indigenous products cut cooking oil use adopt natural farming methods and limit gold purchases amid concerns over rising global crude oil prices and economic uncertainty linked to the regional conflictSharad Pawar Seeks AllParty MeetingSharad Pawar called on the Centre to convene an allparty meeting and hold consultations with economists and industry experts to assess the possible impact of the crisis on Indiarsquos economy narendramodi hellipmdash Sharad Pawar PawarSpeaks May 12 2026In a post on X Pawar said the Prime Ministerrsquos announcements had created anxiety among citizens businesses and investors because of their sudden nature and the possible longterm economic implicationsldquoConsidering the seriousness of this issue the Prime Minister should convene an allparty meeting under his own chairmanshiprdquo Pawar said adding that involving leaders from across political parties in decisionmaking on matters of national importance was essentialThe veteran leader also urged the Centre to immediately consult economists industrial representatives and sector experts for a detailed review of the situation and future policy planning He said restoring public confidence and economic stability should be the governmentrsquos top priority in the present circumstancesRaj Thackeray Questions Governmentrsquos SpendingRaj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the Prime Minister questioning why austerity measures were being imposed on citizens while political leaders continued to travel with large convoys and conduct highprofile public events hellipmdash Raj Thackeray RajThackeray May 12 2026In a lengthy post on X the MNS chief said global crude oil prices touching the 90100 per barrel range was not unprecedented and had occurred during earlier geopolitical crises as well He questioned why similar appeals had not been made during previous periods of high oil prices including during earlier terms of the Modi government and the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan SinghThackeray also questioned the government over fuel pricing asking how revenues collected through high petrol and diesel prices over the years had been utilisedCriticism Over lsquoFreebiesrsquo And Economic PoliciesThe MNS chief further criticised welfare schemes and election spending alleging that ldquofreebie culturerdquo had weakened state finances Referring to Maharashtrarsquos Ladki Bahin scheme he claimed such measures were burdening the economy while inflation continued to riseHe also accused political parties of excessive fuel consumption during election campaigns and roadshows across states questioning why calls for fuel conservation were not made at that timeConcerns Over Economy And Foreign InvestmentRaj Thackeray further claimed that foreign investors had withdrawn substantial funds from Indian markets in recent months and alleged that the government was failing to attract fresh investments He criticised overseas visits by political leaders and questioned the need for foreign trips to sign investment agreementsDrawing comparisons with former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastrirsquos wartime austerity appeal Thackeray said any call for sacrifice should begin with the government itself before being extended to citizensCall For Parliament DiscussionThe MNS chief urged the Prime Minister to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the economic situation and explain the governmentrsquos strategy to address the challenges arising from the West Asia crisisHe said the opposition would continue to question the government while also supporting measures taken in the national interest