MNS chief Raj Thackeray questions PM Modi’s austerity appeal, seeks answers on economy

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday,launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent appeal urging citizens to adopt austerity measures, questioning why the burden of economic strain should be shifted onto the public while the government continues with what he described as extravagant political activity.

In a strongly worded statement, Thackeray said the Prime Minister’s appeal asking citizens to reduce gold purchases, limit foreign travel, cut fuel consumption, opt for electric vehicles, and embrace work-from-home arrangements raises larger questions about the state of the economy.

He argued that while the government has cited rising crude oil prices due to the Iran conflict as a reason for caution, similar global oil price spikes had occurred in the past without such public appeals for austerity. Referring to periods between 2008 and 2014, as well as 2022–23, when crude prices hovered between $90 and $100 per barrel, Thackeray said neither the then UPA government nor the Modi-led administration had made similar requests to the public.
Questioning the government’s own expenditure, the MNS chief asked whether the Prime Minister and BJP leaders would first cut down on their own use of large vehicle convoys, roadshows, and public events before asking citizens to make sacrifices.

“Why should the public bear the consequences of the government’s mistakes?” he asked, while also demanding an explanation for the high fuel prices charged even when international crude prices were significantly lower.

Thackeray also targeted what he termed the contradiction in the BJP’s criticism of “revdi culture” while simultaneously relying on welfare schemes during elections. Citing Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, he alleged that such schemes have placed an additional burden on the state’s finances instead of creating long-term economic empowerment.

He further questioned the timing of the Prime Minister’s appeal to reduce fuel usage, pointing to the extensive fuel consumption during election campaigns, roadshows, and mass political mobilisations across several states.

On foreign travel, Thackeray said only a small section of Indians can currently afford overseas trips, while many in the middle class are uncertain about job security. He also criticised the government’s education policies, claiming insufficient investment in higher education has pushed students to seek opportunities abroad.

Raising concerns over foreign investment trends, Thackeray claimed that foreign investors have withdrawn substantial funds from Indian markets in recent months and alleged that investment summits and overseas visits by political leaders have yielded limited practical outcomes.

He also questioned the Prime Minister’s upcoming foreign visits, saying the government should first demonstrate restraint before asking the public to do the same.

Calling for greater transparency, Thackeray said the Centre should acknowledge the economic challenges rather than attributing them solely to geopolitical tensions. 

He demanded that the Prime Minister convene a special session of Parliament to explain the current economic situation and outline concrete corrective measures.

“People will continue to ask questions. The Prime Minister should begin austerity within his own party and tell the country how this crisis will be addressed,” Thackeray said.