Austerity Alert: Economic Strain Looming, Says Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for austerity has prompted allegations of an impending financial emergency from Congress's national spokesperson, Kuldeep Singh Rathore. On Tuesday, Rathore claimed that the prime minister's appeal for curbed spending provoked insecurity and anxiety nationwide.

Rathore urged the Central government to first reduce its own expenses. He called for a reduction in ministers' and officials' foreign tours and government extravagance. Rathore further demanded transparency about the current economic situation, highlighting anxiety among traders and stakeholders in the tourism sector.

The Congress leader alleged that price hikes of LPG cylinders after elections adversely affected the food and beverage industry. He also criticized the foreign policy, stating India's shift from purchasing low-cost Russian crude oil due to U.S. pressure has exacerbated the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)