Patna, May 12 (IANS) Leaders of the JD(U) and BJP on Tuesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal urging citizens to save fuel, avoid unnecessary gold purchases and adopt cost-cutting measures in view of the global economic crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Speaking to IANS, JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said that the global crisis caused by conflicts across various nations, particularly in West Asia, has created serious challenges for the world economy.

“The forces responsible for maintaining global peace have failed in this endeavour. Since this situation is affecting the global economy, India will also inevitably face its impact. In this context, Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to reduce their consumption of petrol and diesel, as India imports these fuels from other countries. The whole world is facing the effects of war, so it is obvious that India will also face similar challenges,” he said.

Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Suman said the Prime Minister’s appeal was made in the interest of the country and its people.

“Whenever we purchase goods from abroad or spend money internationally, the country’s foreign exchange reserves are affected, which can lead to inflation and rising prices. The Prime Minister’s message is clear — we should adopt savings in our daily lives. The more we save today, the brighter the future will be for us and the coming generations,” he said.

Senior BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said that the global economy is facing difficulties because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

“Economic conditions across the world are not good. India is an emerging power, and to protect the country from this crisis for as long as possible, the Prime Minister, in his role as a guardian, national leader and head of the government, has appealed to the people,” Hussain said.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Narendra Kumar Kashyap said Indians have always stood together whenever the country needed public support and cooperation.

“Whenever there was a shortage of food grains in the country, people supported the Prime Minister and showed restraint. Today, continuous conflict in West Asia is affecting the entire world. It is a matter of satisfaction that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is in a stable and comfortable position,” he said.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a BJP rally in Hyderabad, urged citizens to adopt measures such as reducing fuel consumption, postponing foreign travel, avoiding gold purchases and working from home wherever possible to help conserve foreign exchange reserves and minimise economic pressure amid rising crude oil prices and global uncertainty.

–IANS

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