Bengaluru, 11 May

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption and postpone gold purchases, calling the suggestions impractical.

Questioning how families planning weddings or Hindu sacred thread ceremonies could avoid buying gold, Shivakumar said such purchases were deeply linked to social and cultural traditions. “How can you tell those planning marriages not to buy gold?” he asked.

Dismissing the Prime Minister’s latest advice as unrealistic, he said people would continue to buy gold for occasions such as marriages, whether through savings, borrowing or other arrangements, irrespective of economic conditions.

He also questioned rising fuel prices, saying Modi had urged people to reduce petrol consumption without explaining why prices had increased. He said the Prime Minister should first address the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.

On Sunday, Modi had urged people to use fuel judiciously, postpone gold purchases and avoid unnecessary foreign travel in order to reduce pressure on the economy amid tensions in West Asia.

Shivakumar said sacrifices should first begin with Union ministers, central government officials, BJP-ruled states and party workers. He urged them to switch to public transport before asking citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.

“One should practise first, before preaching to others,” he said.

Recalling Modi’s appeals during the Covid-19 pandemic for people to light lamps and clap, Shivakumar questioned whether such exercises had helped in any meaningful way.