Congress demands SOP after PM Modi's fuel and gold appeal sparks confusion
Synopsis
Congress leader Harish Rawat has sharply criticised PM Modi's appeal on fuel and gold conservation, demanding a formal SOP from the Centre to prevent public confusion — and taking a pointed swipe at Modi's ties with Donald Trump as a root cause of India's inflation.
Key Takeaways
Harish Rawat demanded the Centre issue a clear SOP to prevent public confusion following PM Modi's appeal on fuel and gold.
Rawat alleged the Centre's economic policies have worsened inflation and increased the burden on common people.
He blamed Donald Trump and India's failure to play a global role for current economic pressures.
Rawat also claimed discrimination against states in the distribution of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas.
Uttarakhand minister Ganesh Joshi backed PM Modi's appeal, pledging to use a scooter for local travel instead of a car.
Congress leader and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Monday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to citizens to avoid foreign travel and reduce gold purchases for a year, alleging that the Centre's economic policies have worsened inflation and increased the burden on common people. Speaking in Dehradun, Rawat also demanded that the government issue a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent fear and confusion among the public.
Rawat's Criticism of Government Policies
Rawat alleged that promises made before elections are no longer visible on the ground, and that ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of rising prices.
Point of View
Not precede them. The absence of an accompanying SOP or policy framework gives the Opposition a legitimate opening: if the economic situation warrants behavioural change at the citizen level, what is the government doing at the structural level? Rawat's Trump jibe is politically convenient but not entirely without basis — global trade disruptions have had inflationary spillovers. The more substantive charge — discrimination in fuel distribution across states — deserves scrutiny that goes beyond partisan point-scoring.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Congress demanding an SOP after PM Modi's appeal?
Congress leader Harish Rawat has demanded a formal SOP from the Centre to prevent public fear and confusion following PM Modi's appeal asking citizens to avoid foreign travel and reduce gold purchases. Rawat argues that an appeal without a clear policy framework leaves people uncertain about what is expected of them.
What did PM Modi appeal to citizens about?
PM Modi appealed to citizens to avoid foreign travel and reduce gold purchases for a year if possible, reportedly as part of efforts to manage economic pressures. No formal policy or SOP was announced alongside the appeal.
What did Harish Rawat say about Donald Trump?
Rawat alleged that global problems, including inflation in India, have been caused by US President Donald Trump, whom he described as PM Modi's publicly stated 'good friend'. He argued that India failed to play the global role it was capable of.
How did Uttarakhand minister Ganesh Joshi respond?
Uttarakhand minister Ganesh Joshi supported PM Modi's appeal and pledged to use a scooter instead of a car for local work. Rawat responded with a dig, saying he hoped others would follow suit and that Joshi's scooter would remain safe.
What is Congress's stated position on national interest issues?
Rawat said Congress would cooperate with the government on matters of national interest but would continue to play the role of a strong Opposition, monitoring government policies and opposing decisions it considers wrong.
