Dehradun: Congress leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Harish Rawat on Monday reacted sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal asking citizens to avoid foreign travel, reduce gold purchases for a year if possible, alleging that the Centre’s economic policies have worsened inflation and increased the burden on common people. He also demanded that the Centre issue a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent confusion among the people.
Speaking to IANS, Rawat said the promises made before elections are no longer visible on the ground and that the public is bearing the brunt of rising prices.
“The government is only making appeals, while the economic situation was already bad and is likely to worsen further,” he claimed.
Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister’s ties with US President Donald Trump, Rawat said, “The Prime Minister publicly says, ‘My good friend Donald Trump.’ All these global problems, including inflation today in the country, have been caused by Trump, his friend,” adding, “We could not play the global role that India was capable of.”
He further said that while appeals at the national level are acceptable, “policies should also be kept right.”
Rawat also claimed discrimination against states in the distribution of petrol, diesel and cooking gas, and asserted that it is the Opposition’s responsibility to monitor government policies and oppose decisions it considers wrong.
“Whenever someone speaks up or raises their voice on such disparity, they are told that they are speaking against the country,” he alleged.
The Congress veteran also demanded that the government issue a clear SOP to prevent fear and confusion among the public.
He said the Congress would cooperate with the government in matters of national interest but would continue to play the role of a strong Opposition.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand minister Ganesh Joshi supported the Prime Minister’s appeal and said he, too, had decided to minimise the use of cars for local work.
“I have also taken a pledge that for all local work where a vehicle is not necessary, we should avoid using cars. For example, if I have to go home, I can use an Activa. For local programmes also, I will use an Activa,” Joshi said.
Reacting to the minister’s statement, Rawat took a dig and remarked, “We hope others will follow it as well, however, one should pray for the safety of the scooter on which Ganesh Joshi would be riding.”
He reiterated that while the Prime Minister’s appeal at the national level was fine, the government must ensure sound economic policies to tackle inflation and public concerns.
(IANS)
