Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday questioned the practicality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal for fuel savings and postponement of gold purchases among other measures.
He wondered how someone planning a family marriage could be prevented from buying gold.
The Congress state chief also urged the PM to direct union ministers, central government officials, as well as BJP workers to first reduce petrol and diesel consumption by switching to public transport, before asking the public to do it.
Emphasising that the Centre is trying to shield people from the adverse impact of the conflict in West Asia, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday called for judicious use of fuel, postponement of gold purchases and foreign travel, among other measures, to strengthen the economy.
Addressing a BJP rally, he suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using metro rail services in cities, carpooling, increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs), utilising railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange amid the crisis in West Asia.
"Modi doesn't say why gold prices hiked, he is asking to reduce petrol consumption, but doesn't say why prices were hiked. Modi has to explain why people are facing trouble. How can you tell those planning marriages and Munji (Hindu Upanayana or sacred thread ceremony) not to buy gold?" Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters here, he recalled COVID-19 era appeals of PM Modi to the people to light lamps and clap. He asked, "If it helped in any way?"
Dismissing PM's advice as "impractical", he said, "Can we say no to people who want to buy a gold Thali (mangalsutra) or a chain for marriage? Such things cannot be done. People purchase gold for such events, whether they have difficulty or happiness, whether by borrowing or making other arrangements."
Questioning the logic of asking citizens to commute by government bus, the Deputy CM said the PM should first ask central ministers and government officers not to use official cars or vehicles, and instead use public transport.
"One should practise first, before preaching to others," he said.
Responding to a question on the PM calling for certain sacrifices amid global situations, Shivakumar said sacrifice should first begin with central ministers and officials, the states where the BJP is in power and with saffron party leaders and workers, before others.