PM’s austerity appeal set aside, Gujarat Dy CM Harsh Sanghavi leaves for Switzerland

At a time when the people of Gujarat are struggling with rising fuel prices and soaring inflation, a fresh political controversy has erupted over Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi’s visit to Switzerland. His visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to avoid foreign travel for a year as part of economic austerity and fuel-saving measures.

When the prime minister had made the appeal, several leaders had publicly backed the call for restraint and patriotism. Sanghavi had then cancelled his proposed US visit, drawing praise for following the PM’s message.

However, that appeal now appears to have been given the go by, with Sanghavi travelling to Switzerland, triggering criticism from opposition parties and sections of the public.

The development has reignited questions over whether austerity measures and economic discipline are meant only for common citizens while those in power continue to enjoy official privileges.

Critics argue that while the government asks citizens to cut fuel consumption and adopt financial restraint, ministers are unwilling to give up foreign tours funded by public money.

The controversy has further intensified amid the ongoing fuel crisis and repeated appeals to citizens to reduce unnecessary expenditure.