HYDERABAD
The Telangana BJP termed it “unfortunate” that the Congress party chose to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to citizens to curb gold purchases, promote domestic tourism and take energy conservation measures in the national interest.
Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office on Tuesday, BJP president N. Ramchander Rao said the global economy was under pressure due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has affected international energy markets. While fuel prices have risen sharply in several countries, he said the Modi government has managed to keep them relatively stable in India.
Mr. Rao noted that only a few countries, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, India and Brazil, have been able to maintain some control over fuel prices. Despite this, he alleged that the Congress was waging a “vicious propaganda campaign” against the Centre.
The BJP leader said that the Union government has not only borne the burden of rising global costs but has also boosted the country’s economy. He strongly condemned what he described as a “deliberate distortion” of the Prime Minister’s call and accused the Congress of trying to mislead the public.
“It is inappropriate to look at the Prime Minister’s proposals through a political lens,” Mr. Rao said, alleging that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other Congress leaders were spreading “false propaganda”. He disputed the criticism, asking: “What’s wrong with promoting the use of solar pumps, public transport, electric vehicles and household goods as part of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative?”
Mr. Rao also urged the Congress to reflect on its own record, pointing to instances where its leaders have demanded cuts in public spending. However, a purported Hindu newspaper clipping he exhibited featuring former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was later found to be fake, causing embarrassment to the party.
Published – 12 May 2026 19:07 IST
