National
Seer Says Government Should Cut Its Own Expenses First
Seer says spending cuts should begin with those in power before asking citizens to reduce expenses
Swami Avimukteshwaranand on Monday reacted sharply to Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, saying the government should first reduce its own expenditure before asking citizens to make sacrifices.
Speaking to reporters during his ‘Govisht Yatra’ in Sonbhadra, the seer questioned the government’s spending priorities while referring to concerns over the weakening rupee and rising economic pressures.
He remarked that with the US dollar nearing the Rs 100 mark, austerity measures should begin at the top levels of government.
“First, sell the aircraft worth Rs 8,000 crore and use a fuel-efficient plane. Dharma begins at home,” he said while responding to the Prime Minister’s recent appeal urging people to avoid unnecessary gold purchases, foreign travel, and excessive fuel consumption.
The comments come amid growing public debate over economic challenges linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, including rising crude oil prices and pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.
Prime Minister Modi had earlier called for restraint in discretionary spending as part of broader efforts to conserve resources during the international crisis.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s remarks have added a political and public dimension to the ongoing discussion surrounding austerity, economic responsibility, and leadership accountability.
