Maharashtra Minister Bawankule backs PM Modi's push to curb foreign imports in favour of local resources

Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modirsquos recent appeal promoting the use of indigenous products and reduced dependence on imports describing the move as an important step towards strengthening Indiarsquos economy reported ANISpeaking to reporters in Pune Bawankule said the Prime Ministerrsquos call for ldquoSwadeshirdquo reflected the same spirit of selfreliance advocated by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement reported ANIHe said encouraging domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign goods would help India move towards becoming a stronger and more economically selfsufficient nationBawankule says local sourcing can reduce dependence on importsThe Maharashtra minister said India possesses enough resources and production capacity to reduce reliance on imported goods including precious metals and consumer productsAccording to Bawankule the Prime Ministerrsquos appeal encourages citizens and businesses to support local industries instead of prioritising foreign markets and imported commodities reported ANIHe added that strengthening indigenous manufacturing and consumption would contribute to longterm economic stability and growthBawankule also said the concept of ldquoSwadeshirdquo was deeply rooted in Indiarsquos history and continued to remain relevant in the current global economic environmentPM Modi urges citizens to adopt austerity measuresPrime 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 economyDuring his speech the Prime Minister urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption avoid unnecessary foreign travel and give preference to locally made productsHe also encouraged greater use of public transport metro rail services electric buses and carpooling in order to reduce petrol and diesel consumptionThe Prime Minister further advised government offices and private organisations to prioritise virtual meetings and workfromhome arrangements wherever possible to cut operational costs and fuel usagePM Modi also appealed to citizens to postpone nonessential gold purchases for the time being noting that India spends a significant amount of foreign exchange on gold importsIn addition he encouraged people to reduce edible oil consumption and promote natural farming practices as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic resilienceOpposition attacks Centre over economic concernsThe Prime Ministerrsquos remarks triggered criticism from opposition leaders who accused the government of mishandling the economy and creating unnecessary public anxietySamajwadi 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 ANIIn a post on social media platform X Yadav described the Centrersquos advisory as an ldquoadmission of failurerdquo and criticised the BJPrsquos economic policiesHe also questioned why the ruling party itself had not reduced electionrelated expenditure including extensive campaign travel and largescale political eventsYadav further argued that such public appeals could create uncertainty in markets and business sectors by increasing fears related to inflation and economic slowdownThe BJP however has defended the Prime Ministerrsquos remarks saying the appeal was aimed at promoting responsible consumption and strengthening Indiarsquos economic selfreliance during a period of global uncertaintyWith inputs from ANI