The Goa Congress on Tuesday slammed the Narendra Modi-led Central government over the announcement of austerity measures, terming the move “hypocrisy”.
Addressing a press conference, South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes accused the BJP of suppressing discussion on the war situation and its economic impact before the recently concluded Assembly elections in five states.
Fernandes questioned the timing of the Centre’s appeal for voluntary austerity measures, alleging that the government deliberately avoided public discussion on the issue during the election period.
“During the elections, the Prime Minister claimed that India had become a five trillion-dollar economy. Now, after the elections are over, people are being asked to adopt voluntary austerity measures. This is complete hypocrisy,” Fernandes said.
The Congress leader alleged that when the Opposition had demanded a discussion in Parliament on the ongoing war situation and its possible impact on India, the BJP accused the party of misleading the public and spreading panic.
“When Congress had demanded a discussion in the House on the ongoing war and its impact on India, the BJP accused the party of misleading Indians and creating panic among the people. However, today, after the conclusion of elections in five states, the Prime Minister has announced austerity measures, which clearly shows that the government was more concerned about elections than addressing the situation earlier,” Fernandes stated.
Meanwhile, Goa Congress leaders refused to comment on the internal rift within the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) and speculation surrounding possible political moves by RGP MLA Viresh Borkar.
Asked whether Borkar would join the Congress party amid reports of differences within the RGP, party leaders declined to respond, saying they would not comment on the internal affairs of another political party.
