Raebareli

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over rising inflation and fuel prices, warning that the country was heading towards a major economic crisis while accusing the government of ignoring the concerns of ordinary citizens.

Addressing a gathering in Raebareli after inaugurating a wedding hall in Bachhrawan, Gandhi said an “economic storm” was approaching and claimed the Centre was failing to prepare the country for its impact.

Referring to tensions in West Asia, Gandhi said the conflict involving Iran and the United States had disrupted global energy supply chains after Iran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of the world’s oil trade passes.

“A severe economic storm is coming, one that people have never witnessed before,” he said, adding that shortages of oil, diesel and fertilisers could intensify economic hardships.

The Congress leader took a swipe at Modi over his foreign visits, alleging that while the prime minister asks citizens to cut expenses and avoid foreign travel, he himself continues touring overseas.

“He asks people not to buy gold, to shift to electric vehicles and avoid travelling abroad, but then he himself leaves for foreign tours,” Gandhi said, referring to the prime minister’s visits to countries including Norway and Japan.

He claimed that the burden of rising inflation and fuel prices would fall on farmers, labourers, youth, small traders and small industries rather than large industrialists.

“Ambani and Adani will remain secure in their palaces, but it is the ordinary people who will suffer,” Gandhi alleged.

The Rae Bareli MP said he had repeatedly warned the government about the looming economic challenges and urged it to protect workers, farmers and small businesses.

“Petrol prices will rise further and inflation will worsen, but the government is not taking corrective steps,” he said.

Gandhi also accused the BJP-led government of weakening welfare schemes such as MGNREGA and alleged that economic policies were benefiting only a select few industrialists.

Targeting the ruling dispensation further, Gandhi said top BJP leaders, including Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, attended functions hosted by industrialist families, while he preferred engaging directly with ordinary people.

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“I want to attend your weddings and visit your homes, not theirs,” Gandhi told the crowd.