SHARAD PAWAR DEMANDS ‘ALL PARTY MEETING ON EXPENDITURE CUTS

SHARAD PAWAR DEMANDS ‘ALL PARTY MEETING ON EXPENDITURE CUTS

13-MAY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI-------------------------NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the citizens to cut down on expenses is likely to have far-reaching implications for the economy. He urged the Prime Minister to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the situation arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In a statement, Pawar noted that this sudden appeal has created unease among common citizens, businesses, industrial sectors, and investors.

He asserted that, at this juncture, restoring public confidence and maintaining stability within the country should be the government's primary priority.

Emphasizing that the Central Government is striving to shield the people from the adverse effects of the West Asia conflict, Prime Minister Modi has called upon the public to adopt various measures to strengthen the economy—including the prudent use of fuel, and refraining from purchasing gold or undertaking foreign travel.

Pawar remarked that, against the backdrop of the "unstable and war-like situation in West Asia," the Prime Minister made certain announcements two days ago that are feared to have a profound impact on the nation's economy.

Terming this issue a matter of grave concern, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar)—NCP (SP)—stated that decisions regarding matters of national importance should be taken only after consulting with leaders from all political parties.

Pawar said, "The Prime Minister should convene an all-party meeting under his own chairmanship and take all political parties into confidence while making decisions in the national interest."

He also urged the Centre to act with greater sensitivity and undertake broad-based consultations regarding future policy measures, given the prevailing international situation.

Pawar concluded, "At this moment, instilling confidence in the people and ensuring stability within the country must be the government's paramount priority."