Allegations of Panic-Mongering Amid Regional Conflict
BHILDI, Gujarat — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused individuals of attempting to create panic in India by spreading rumors about shortages of fertilizers and cooking gas. The comments came as the country navigates an ongoing conflict involving Iran and countries in the Gulf region.
Addressing a gathering in Bhildi, located in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, Modi alleged that certain groups were trying to generate confusion and public anxiety while India dealt with the international situation. He stated that while the nation remained united in handling the crisis, specific actors sought to exploit the moment.
"When the country faces a crisis, some people seem to be happy," Modi said. "The latest example is the war involving Iran and the Gulf region. While India is united in dealing with the situation, these people have been spreading rumours."
The Prime Minister claimed that the objective of these groups was to create chaos within the country and defame him personally. He asserted that farmers had been made to fear the unavailability of fertilizers and that artificial queues had been created to exacerbate the perception of scarcity.
Modi further alleged that groups spread fears among women that cooking gas supplies would run out. He characterized these actions as deliberate attempts to undermine public confidence during a period of international tension.
Government Subsidies and Price Controls
In response to the alleged rumors, Modi asserted that the government had ensured uninterrupted fertilizer supplies to farmers despite rising international prices. He stated that the administration absorbed additional costs rather than passing them on to consumers.
To illustrate the extent of government support, Modi cited specific pricing data for key agricultural inputs. He noted that a bag of urea costing around Rs 3,000 internationally was being made available to Indian farmers for less than Rs 300.
Regarding diammonium phosphate (DAP), Modi stated that while the international price per bag had crossed Rs 5,000, farmers in India were receiving it for Rs 1,350. He used these figures to argue that the government was shielding the agricultural sector from global market volatility.
Development Projects and Unity Run Announcement
During a two-day visit to Gujarat, the Prime Minister launched and dedicated development projects worth more than Rs 14,000 crore in Banaskantha. The infrastructure initiatives were part of the broader agenda for the trip.
Modi also used the platform to urge people, particularly youth, to participate in the Run for Unity scheduled for October 31. The event is set to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He announced that the annual Ekta Parv would be organized in the evening starting at 5:30 p.m. this year at Ekta Nagar. The announcement tied the upcoming commemoration to the day's address in Bhildi.