For the poor, frugality is not a choice: it is forced on them. For those already counting every rupee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to austerity is mere sloganeering
PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi’s call to citizens to adopt austerity measures – due to the West Asia crisis – met with noteworthy backlash on social media.
Critics on social media and opposition leaders questioned the timing of the appeal, pointing out that Modi himself continued with high-octane roadshows in Gujarat using massive, high-fuel-consumption convoys just hours after his speech, leading to allegations of “hypocrisy” and the hashtag/sentiment of “running on water”.
Many users questioned why ordinary citizens were asked to bear the economic burden of the crisis, urging leaders to lead by example, such as reducing VIP convoy sizes.
There was livid political pushback. Opposition leaders slammed the measures as a “policy failure” and urged the government to cancel ministerial foreign tours before asking citizens to curb their own.
There was a market impact too at a time when the businesses are in crisis times. The appeal, which included advice to avoid buying gold, contributed to a panic in the jewellery sector, with shares in companies like Titan, Kalyan Jewellers, and Senco Gold falling sharply.
Following the widespread online criticism, reports indicate that Prime Minister Modi took action to reduce his own convoy size, and several BJP-ruled states began promoting austerity measures, such as encouraging ministers to use public transport and virtual meetings, in an attempt to align actions with the previous call. Too little, too late.
In a speech in Hyderabad on 10 May, Modi urged citizens to cut down on petrol and diesel, use public transport, carpool, and work from home, framing it as “economic patriotism” and a necessity to reduce India’s import dependency amid rising global tensions.
Within 24 hours of the appeal, Modi himself conducted extensive, high-octane roadshows in Gujarat – including stops in Vadodara, Jamnagar, and Gir Somnath – involving large, high-fuel-consumption convoys.
Rahul Gandhi stated that Modi’s appeal “exposed the limits of his decade-long tenure” and claimed the appeal was “proof of failure,” alleging that while citizens are asked to make sacrifices, the leadership continues with extravagant events.
While some BJP leaders, such as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, urged minimal vehicle use, the widespread visibility of large entourages at events – including a 50-car convoy of a BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh – further fuelled the debate. Supporters countered by arguing that these roadshows are necessary for public outreach and security, and that the prime minister was calling for “conscious choices” rather than an absolute ban on fuel use.
While Modi has championed virtual meetings for corporate and official purposes to save resources and ensure safety, key diplomatic and high-stakes engagements often bypass virtual methods for these reasons. The counter-argument is that face-to-face meetings are crucial for developing rapport, fostering trust, and strengthening relationships, which are often essential for long-term partnerships or sensitive diplomatic negotiations. Sensitive negotiations carry risks of leaks, unauthorised recording, or digital interception on virtual platforms. Physical, secure rooms provide guaranteed privacy for top-level discussions.
In-person interactions allow participants to read body language, facial expressions, and tone – crucial cues that are often lost over video conferencing, leading to potential misinterpretations. For high-profile figures, face-to-face interactions allow them to manage the atmosphere and control the flow of communication, as opposed to the unpredictable nature of open press conferences. In-person meetings are more effective for navigating tension and making quick decisions without the delays of virtual, non-verbal limitations. For those who understand technology, and, in respect of the subjects the delegation will deal with, may, at best, face-to-face alt with are not so crucial to be held in face-to-face situations.
Prime Minister Modi is embarking on a six-day, five-nation tour beginning May 15, targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The trip focuses on energy security, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships amid ongoing global instability. The trip aims to strengthen India’s strategic, economic, and technological ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and the Middle East crisis, which has impacted global energy supplies. In the UAE, the focus will be on securing energy supplies, enhancing bilateral trade, and engaging with the Indian community. In the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, the talks will focus on strengthening strategic ties and discussing technology and renewable energy partnerships.
The trip will include the third India-Nordic Summit scheduled for May 18. The five-nation visit concludes with a bilateral visit to Italy, marking the final stop in a week-long diplomatic push. Cabinet ministers and bureaucrats are designated to handle these matters. Compact and well-prepared delegations can do the job.
These are important questions without doubt. It should suffice for designated ministers and bureaucrats to join these meetings? Many of these delegations carry plane loads of ministers and bureaucrats, which cost the exchequer immensely; luxury hotels and special cuisine cost money. The prime minister is right in his pronouncement. Physicians must first heal themselves.
An estimated 4.6 crore (46 million) Indians fell into extreme poverty in 2020, representing nearly half of the global new poor. The number of hungry Indians rose to 350 million in 2022 from 190 million in 2018, contributing to 65% of deaths among children under five. The national minimum wage has remained at 178 rupees a day since 2020.
The prime minister’s instructions do not apply to over 90% of the population. The poor can only buy fake gold, and travel by public transport, and stay in slum-like conditions, minus even the basics of amenities.
Prime Minister Modi’s foreign travel over the past decade has involved substantial expenditure, with costs rising in recent years. As of early 2026, reports indicate that over ₹762 crore was spent on his foreign visits between 2015 and 2025.
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Ranjan Solomon is a writer, researcher and activist based in Goa. He has worked in social movements since he was 19 years of age. The views expressed here are the author’s own and Clarion India does not necessarily share or subscribe to them. He can be contacted at ranjan.solomon@gmail.com
