'Where is Modi?': Sanjay Raut targets PM over foreign visits

Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his ongoing foreign tour questioning his absence during what he described as a period of domestic and economic challenges in the country reported ANIAddressing reporters in Mumbai Raut also targeted the BJPled governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra over VIP convoys rising public inconvenience the NEET controversy and recent political developments involving industrialist Gautam AdaniRaut questions PM Modirsquos foreign tourRaut alleged that the country was facing multiple crises while the Prime Minister remained abroad on an extended diplomatic tour reported ANIldquoWhere is Modi He is on a foreign tourrdquo Raut said while accusing the BJP leadership of focusing more on international events than domestic concerns reported ANIHe also questioned the governmentrsquos handling of foreign policy issues including Indiarsquos energy security and its position on ongoing tensions involving IranRaut further claimed that Indiarsquos global policy decisions were increasingly dependent on the United States referring to restrictions linked to Russian oil importsThe Shiv Sena UBT leader also took a swipe at Modi receiving international honours during overseas visits saying the Prime Minister frequently returned from foreign trips with awards and recognitions reported ANICriticism over VIP convoys and road closuresRaut also criticised the security arrangements surrounding senior BJP leaders alleging that common citizens were facing inconvenience because of large VIP convoys and road blockadesReferring to a recent visit by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Pune Raut mentioned a viral video allegedly showing traffic disruptions caused by the ministerrsquos convoyHe argued that excessive security measures and road closures were causing hardship for the public Raut extended similar criticism towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleging that several roads in Delhi were frequently blocked due to security arrangements for senior leaders reported ANIRemarks linked to PMrsquos austerity appealRautrsquos comments came amid discussions surrounding Modirsquos recent appeals encouraging citizens to adopt austerity measures in light of the West Asia crisis and rising global oil pricesThe Prime Minister had urged people to reduce nonessential expenditure limit foreign travel avoid unnecessary purchases and support domestic products as global economic uncertainty continued to impact fuel prices and supply chains reported ANIThe Strait of Hormuz disruption has contributed to rising crude oil prices and increased pressure on Indiarsquos economy and currency marketsRaut backs Rahul Gandhi on Adani issueThe Shiv Sena UBT leader also supported Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of alleged corporate favouritism involving the Adani GroupRautrsquos remarks came after reports that the US Securities and Exchange Commission had reached a settlement in a civil case involving Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani subject to court approval According to reports the settlement does not include any admission of wrongdoingTargets BJP over NEET controversy and Maharashtra politicsRaut also alleged that major institutions in the country were under the influence of the BJP while commenting on the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process reported ANITurning to Maharashtra politics he defended the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar claiming that the factions led by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar lacked ideological legitimacyHe further alleged that political pressure was being exerted in matters related to party symbols and disqualification proceedings while insisting that such decisions should be made strictly according to constitutional provisionsWith inputs from ANI