Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. File Image | Photo credit: PTI
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) accused the Narendra Modi-led BJP government of preaching austerity to citizens while spending lavishly on publicity and political spectacle even as pensions for senior citizens, widows and the disabled remain stagnant.
In a post on X, Mr Kharge alleged that the Center had failed to increase old-age pensions in the past 12 years despite soaring inflation, eroding the economic dignity of vulnerable sections of society.
“Narendra Modi ji, you are lecturing the country about austerity and sacrifice while taking away dignity from India’s old people, widows and disabled. Why? BJP has refused to increase old age pensions for 12 years, even by a SINGLE PAISA, because price rise is crushing our poor,” Mr Kharge said.
The congressional leader argued that inflation has sharply reduced the real value of Social Security pensions. “After a 45% erosion of purchasing power, a pension of ₹200 in today’s terms is actually worth about ₹110, a pension of ₹300 about ₹165 and a pension of ₹500 about ₹275. But this shameless government would rather spend almost ₹ 1 each of the alleged 1.5 croft on promotion.
Also read | PM appeals for austerity measures: BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi; quotes Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech
Extravagant spending on advertising
Citing expenditure figures, Mr Kharge claimed that the BJP government spent ₹5,987.46 crore on advertisements and promotional campaigns between 2014-15 and 2024-25.
He added that while millions of senior citizens struggled to survive on meager pensions that barely covered their medical and food expenses, the ruling dispensation continued to spend heavily on election campaigns, official events and promotions.
“This cruel model of the BJP deprives the disadvantaged citizens of their economic dignity while spending extravagantly for political spectacle,” he said.
The Congress attack came after Mr Modi urged citizens to observe austerity measures in light of the crisis in West Asia by conserving fuel, avoiding unnecessary foreign travel and limiting gold purchases to help boost the economy.
.@narendramodi her
You are lecturing the country about austerity and sacrifice while taking away the dignity of India’s old people, widows and the disabled. Why?
For 12 years BJP has refused to increase old age pensions not even by a SINGLE PAISA because Price Rise is crushing our poor!… pic.twitter.com/lm7hGLQfM1
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 13, 2026
Published – 13 May 2026 16:06 IST
