Lucknow

Mayawati on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for austerity reflects that the challenges facing the country extend far beyond rising fuel prices and point towards a broader economic crisis that could intensify in the coming months.

In a post shared on X, Mayawati referred to Modi’s appeal for restraint in view of the continuing conflict in West Asia, particularly mentioning concerns related to the energy sector and the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

She said the current situation indicates that India’s difficulties are not confined to petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, or cooking gas, but suggest the possibility of a larger economic downturn. According to her, the effects of the crisis are already being felt by millions of people, with growing concerns that the pressure on households may continue for a prolonged period.

Mayawati further said that nearly 100 crore people, still struggling to recover from the hardships brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, are finding it increasingly difficult to secure even basic livelihoods. In such circumstances, she said, both the central and state governments must act proactively to provide relief and meaningful support to poor and hardworking families.

She added that such interventions would not only benefit ordinary citizens but would also serve the larger national interest, reflecting what many people across the country currently feel.

On Sunday, Modi had urged citizens to adopt measures aimed at reducing the economic impact of the West Asia conflict and conserving foreign exchange reserves. Speaking at a rally organised by the Telangana BJP in Hyderabad, he advised people to use fuel carefully, postpone non-essential purchases such as gold, and defer foreign travel for at least a year.

The prime minister also encouraged greater use of metro rail services in urban areas, carpooling, electric vehicles, railway-based parcel transport, and the revival of work-from-home practices to reduce fuel consumption and ease pressure on foreign exchange.

Recalling the adaptations made during the COVID-19 period, Modi said citizens had become familiar with remote working, virtual meetings, and video conferencing, adding that the current global situation makes it necessary to adopt such practices once again.

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He also stressed that rising tensions in West Asia have significantly increased the prices of fuel and fertilisers, making it essential for the country to conserve foreign exchange through every possible measure.