Opposition attacks PM Modi over work-from-home, foreign travel appeal amid West Asia crisis

A political controversy erupted on May 11 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to conserve fuel and reduce non-essential spending amid the escalating crisis in West Asia, with opposition leaders accusing the government of creating panic and failing to manage the economic situation.

Speaking at a public event in Hyderabad, Modi urged people to use petrol, diesel and cooking gas “with great restraint” in view of the prolonged conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. He suggested wider use of public transport, carpooling and revival of work-from-home practices wherever possible to reduce fuel consumption.

The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign travel, postpone non-essential imports and reduce gold purchases for a year as part of a broader national effort to conserve foreign exchange and minimise the economic impact of the global energy crisis.

Modi’s remarks came amid growing fears over disruptions in global oil supplies due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for crude oil exports from the Gulf region. India imports a large portion of its crude oil requirements, making it vulnerable to prolonged instability in West Asia.

Soon after the speech, opposition leaders launched sharp attacks on the government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister’s appeal, calling the suggestions “proofs of failure” and questioning why ordinary citizens were being asked to change their lifestyles due to the government’s inability to manage the crisis effectively.

Several opposition leaders also questioned the timing and messaging of the appeal, arguing that suggestions such as reviving work-from-home and reducing travel reflected growing concern within the government over the worsening fuel situation. Some opposition parties accused the Centre of indirectly preparing the public for possible fuel price hikes and economic disruptions.

The BJP, however, defended the Prime Minister’s remarks and described them as precautionary measures aimed at protecting the economy during a period of global uncertainty. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis backed Modi’s appeal and said responsible fuel usage was necessary to avoid shortages and economic pressure caused by the conflict in West Asia.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also echoed the Prime Minister’s concerns and said the conflict was unlikely to end soon. He urged citizens to cooperate with conservation measures and support efforts to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

The Centre has been holding multiple high-level meetings over the past several weeks to review preparedness linked to the Middle East crisis. Prime Minister Modi had earlier chaired meetings with chief ministers and senior ministers to discuss fuel supplies, commodity prices, internal security and contingency planning amid fears of prolonged geopolitical instability.

The issue also triggered widespread debate online, with many social media users discussing the possible return of work-from-home policies because of rising fuel concerns and economic uncertainty linked to the West Asia conflict.