New Delhi, March 24, KNT: The Congress on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his statement on the West Asia conflict in the Rajya Sabha, calling it a “prepared text full of self-praise” and alleging that the Opposition was not allowed to seek clarifications.
Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister spoke for about 20 minutes in the Upper House while outlining the government’s position on the ongoing conflict.
The remarks come amid heightened political debate over India’s response to the West Asia crisis and its potential economic implications, particularly in the energy sector.
“Like after his statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday, the Opposition was not allowed to seek any clarifications after he read out his statement in the Rajya Sabha,” Ramesh said in a post on X.
“As expected, it was a prepared text full of self-praise for all that he claims to have accomplished in the last 11 years,” he added.
Ramesh also accused the government of “hypocrisy,” alleging contradictions between its appeals for cooperation and its handling of federal and welfare issues.
He said there was inconsistency when the Prime Minister sought cooperation from States while their constitutional rights were being “trampled upon.”
The Congress leader further criticised the government over issues related to migrant workers, alleging that schemes like MGNREGA, which he described as a lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic, had been weakened.
He also referred to the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, stating that it is based on the National Food Security Act, 2013, which he said had been opposed earlier by Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Meanwhile, in his address, Prime Minister Modi said the government has constituted seven empowered groups to devise strategies on key areas such as fuel, supply chains and fertilisers in response to the West Asia conflict.
He said the ongoing war has triggered a serious global energy crisis and warned against black marketing and hoarding of essential commodities.
“The government is trying to procure gas and crude oil from all possible sources,” Modi said, adding that steps have been taken to ensure adequate supply of fertilisers.
He also called upon State governments to remain vigilant and prevent any disruption in the availability of essential goods.
Officials said the measures are aimed at mitigating the economic impact of the conflict and ensuring stability in domestic supply chains.
The exchange reflects continuing political differences over the government’s handling of international developments and their domestic fallout, particularly at a time of rising global uncertainty. [KNT]
