Bhupesh Baghel targets PM Modi over austerity appeal, cites gold price surge
Synopsis
Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has turned PM Modi's own austerity appeal into a political weapon, accusing the BJP of silence when gold prices hit ₹1.86 lakh and of dismissing Opposition warnings. His demand for a public apology from BJP leaders signals Congress is determined to own the economic narrative heading into the next political cycle.
Key Takeaways
Bhupesh Baghel attacked PM Modi on 11 May over his appeal for economic restraint, calling it a belated response.
Baghel noted gold had surged to Rs 1.86 lakh before correcting to Rs 1.5 lakh , during which the government was silent.
He alleged the Centre failed to act during the West Asia conflict when economic pressures were mounting.
Baghel demanded an apology from BJP leaders, saying the PM had now implicitly acknowledged the economic crisis.
He also took a swipe at former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee , recalling her past remarks describing the BJP as a "natural friend."
Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on 11 May launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the PM's appeal to citizens for economic restraint, questioning why the government stayed silent when gold prices surged to record levels. The remarks from Raipur reflect deepening political tensions over India's economic outlook amid volatile commodity prices.
Baghel's Core Attack on the Government
Baghel questioned the timing of Modi's appeal, arguing the government had been conspicuously absent when the economic distress was at its peak.
Point of View
Congress is attempting to reclaim credibility on an issue it was accused of overstating. The gold price data point is politically potent: a near-24% swing from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹1.86 lakh is impossible to dismiss. Equally notable is Baghel's jab at Mamata Banerjee, signalling that intra-Opposition fault lines remain raw even as the BJP faces economic headwinds. The demand for a formal apology is unlikely to be met, but it keeps the pressure narrative alive in the media cycle.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bhupesh Baghel criticise PM Modi's austerity appeal?
Baghel argued that PM Modi's call for economic restraint was too little, too late, pointing out that the government stayed silent when gold prices surged to Rs 1.86 lakh. He accused the BJP of dismissing Opposition warnings about the economic situation and demanded an apology from party leaders.
What did Baghel say about gold prices in India?
Baghel stated that gold had already climbed to Rs 1.86 lakh before the PM spoke up, while it currently stands at Rs 1.5 lakh. He used the price surge as evidence that the government failed to act when the economic stress was at its worst.
What is Baghel's demand from the BJP?
Baghel demanded a public apology from BJP leaders, arguing that since PM Modi has now acknowledged the economic situation, those who earlier accused the Opposition of misleading the public owe the country an explanation and an apology.
What did Baghel say about Mamata Banerjee?
Baghel took a swipe at former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on Opposition unity, recalling her earlier statement that the BJP was the Opposition's 'natural friend.' He suggested her current positioning on Opposition solidarity was opportunistic.
What was the context of PM Modi's austerity appeal?
PM Modi had appealed to citizens for economic restraint amid concerns over the country's economic situation, including volatile commodity prices. The appeal triggered political reactions from the Opposition, with Congress leaders arguing the government had ignored warnings about these challenges for months.
