Mumbai, May 12 (PTI) NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Tuesday said citizens have a right to know the true prevailing condition of the country’s economy, and urged the Centre to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the issue transparently.
Addressing reporters, the Baramati MP said the global situation and the country’s economic condition were “serious” and should not be viewed merely through a political lens.
She said NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has issued a statement seeking an all-party meeting.
“The truth about the country’s economic condition should be told to every Indian citizen. This is the need of the hour,” Sule said, adding that panic and speculation were increasing because of the conflicting statements and rumours circulating on social media.
PM Modi has called for judicious use of fuel, postponement of gold purchases and foreign travel, among other measures to strengthen the economy, and emphasised that the Centre was trying to shield people from the adverse impact of the West Asia conflict.
The PM suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using Metro rail services in cities, carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles, utilising railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange amid the crisis in West Asia.
Sule said all political parties had united during national security challenges, such as the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’, putting aside political differences in the national interest.
Recalling that Opposition leaders had supported the government during the crisis, she said a similar collective approach was now needed to address economic concerns.
The Lok Sabha member urged PM Modi to convene an all-party meeting and consult economists and experts to chalk out a way forward.
She also questioned the possible impact on people dependent on the gold trade if citizens reduced purchase of the precious metal for a prolonged period, saying lakhs of livelihoods linked to jewellery businesses could be affected.
The NCP (SP) leader further said governments should demonstrate “moral responsibility” by reducing expenditure on convoys, public events and official programmes if citizens were being asked to cut spending.
“This is not the time for political blame games. The country must face the situation together,” she said.
Sule maintained that the Opposition would continue to cooperate with the government in the national interest, but stressed that citizens deserved clarity about the actual state of the economy and the challenges ahead. PTI MR NP
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