BJP's R. Ashoka hits back at Congress over Modi austerity criticism
Synopsis
Karnataka BJP's R. Ashoka has turned Congress's criticism of PM Modi's austerity call into a history lesson — citing Indira Gandhi's 1967 gold appeal and P. Chidambaram's 2013 CAD remarks to accuse Congress of double standards. The exchange reveals how the Modi-versus-Congress battle is now being fought on the terrain of economic nationalism.
Key Takeaways
Ashoka , BJP's Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka , accused Congress of "economic ignorance" for criticising PM Modi's austerity appeal on 12 May .
Ashoka cited late PM Indira Gandhi's 1967 appeal urging citizens not to buy gold as a precedent for economic discipline calls.
Former Finance Minister P.
Chidambaram's 2013 appeal to reduce gold purchases to address the Current Account Deficit (CAD) was also referenced.
PM Modi last Sunday urged citizens to remain united and patient amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had attacked Modi over his Bengaluru speech, questioning in what capacity he had spoken.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on Tuesday, 12 May accused Congress leaders of displaying "economic ignorance and blind opposition" by criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent austerity appeal to citizens. Ashoka urged Congress leaders to revisit their own party's history before targeting the Prime Minister on matters of economic discipline.
The Charge Against Congress
Ashoka alleged that opposing every move made by Prime Minister Modi had become a "daily routine" for Congress leaders, who, he said, lacked understanding of both history and economic management. "Today's Congress leaders neither understand history nor have any knowledge of economic administration. Opposing every step taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become their daily activity," he said in a statement.
The BJP leader shared a news clipping of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appealing to citizens in 1967 not to buy gold, calling for national discipline. He also shared a video of former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram making a similar appeal in 2013, during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, urging people to reduce gold purchases to address the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
The Double Standards Argument
Ashoka alleged that Congress applied a selective lens to economic appeals depending on who was in power. "If Congress governments made such appeals during the eras of PM Indira Gandhi or Sonia Gandhi, it was termed economic policy. But when PM Modi makes a similar appeal in the national interest, Congress leaders portray it as wrong. This reflects their double standards," he said.
He further urged Congress leaders to learn the basics of economics before making politically motivated comments. "Do not sacrifice the nation's interests merely in the eagerness to oppose Modi," Ashoka added.
What Triggered the Row
The controversy follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal last Sunday to citizens to remain united and patient amid global uncertainties, stating that the ongoing crisis in West Asia was impacting the entire world, including India. The remarks were made during a speech in Bengaluru.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Prime Minister over the speech, questioning whether he had spoken as the Prime Minister, the BJP state president, or the Leader of the Opposition in the state.
Political Context
The exchange underscores the deepening political fault lines between the ruling BJP at the Centre and the Congress-led government in Karnataka. Notably, the BJP's invocation of Indira Gandhi and Chidambaram's past statements is a recurring counter-strategy when the party faces criticism on economic messaging. With global uncertainties — including the West Asia conflict — continuing to weigh on India's economic outlook, the debate over austerity messaging is unlikely to subside soon.
Point of View
Or whether it was political messaging dressed as economic guidance. Austerity appeals without structural follow-through — regardless of which government makes them — have historically had limited impact on household behaviour. The Karnataka BJP-Congress skirmish also reflects a broader pattern: national economic debates are increasingly being refracted through state-level political rivalries, diluting the substance of the original message.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is R. Ashoka criticising Congress over PM Modi's austerity call?
R. Ashoka accused Congress of hypocrisy, arguing that the party had itself made similar austerity appeals — through Indira Gandhi in 1967 and P. Chidambaram in 2013 — but was now criticising PM Modi for doing the same. He called this a display of double standards and economic ignorance.
What did PM Modi say that triggered this political row?
PM Modi last Sunday appealed to citizens to remain united and patient amid global uncertainties, citing the ongoing West Asia crisis as a factor impacting India. The remarks, made during a speech in Bengaluru, drew sharp criticism from Congress, including Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
What historical examples did R. Ashoka cite?
Ashoka cited late PM Indira Gandhi's 1967 appeal urging citizens not to buy gold to maintain economic discipline, and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram's 2013 appeal to reduce gold purchases to address India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) during the UPA government.
How did Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah respond to PM Modi's speech?
Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack on PM Modi on Monday, questioning whether he had spoken as the Prime Minister, the BJP state president, or the Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka — implying that the speech was politically motivated rather than statesmanlike.
What is the broader significance of this exchange?
The row highlights deepening political tensions between the BJP-led Centre and the Congress-led Karnataka government. It also reflects a recurring BJP strategy of citing Congress's own past statements to deflect criticism on economic and policy matters.
