New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his remarks regarding the Prime Minister’s call for austerity in light of the conflict in West Asia, asserting that Gandhi continues to be a leader who has faced repeated rejection by the electorate.

CM Fadnavis told reporters after attending a business summit that Rahul Gandhi “seems to have a limited understanding of the situation”, and preferred not to comment extensively on his remarks.

Taking a sharp swipe, he labelled Rahul Gandhi as “rejected goods” (rejected maal), asserting that the public has already dismissed his leadership.

“If Rahul Gandhi cannot comprehend the meaning behind the Prime Minister’s message, the fault lies in his own understanding. His grasp of these issues is clearly lacking. The public understands the necessity of this call and will respond. The government does not give much weight to Gandhi’s criticisms, emphasising that the focus remains on navigating global challenges and securing Maharashtra’s industrial future,” said CM Fadnavis.

He strongly defended PM Modi’s appeal, stating that it is a strategic effort to save foreign exchange. He emphasised that while many nations are struggling, India continues to receive a steady supply of petrol, gas, and diesel, specifically due to the Prime Minister’s leadership.

CM Fadnavis further stated, “While the Prime Minister has successfully insulated India from immediate supply disruptions, neighbouring countries are already facing severe oil and gas shortages and price hikes. “If we do not understand this difficulty and do not use resources properly, we too will have to face scarcity,” he cautioned.

However, the Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that until the elections in five states were over, war was forgotten; now that the elections are done, ‘sacrifice’ suddenly comes to mind. Only the Prime Minister gives advice, but it’s the common people who have to bear the suffering.”

The NCP(SP) legislator, Rohit Pawar, said that the PM’s advice on austerity may be appropriate, but if the Central government itself, along with all BJP-ruled states in the country, starts implementing it, that would be even more fitting.

Former Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi in her post on X said, “Some suggestions for fellow countrymen too. Impose restrictions on the long cavalcades of ministers and leaders. Shut down large election rallies for one year. Ban grand swearing-in ceremonies – only WFH – Watch From Home.”

–IANS

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