Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused opposition leaders of attempting to create unrest and tarnish his government’s reputation, alleging that they spread rumours about fertiliser and cooking gas shortages amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and countries in the Gulf region.
Addressing a public gathering in Banaskantha, Gujarat, on October 30, Modi said some political groups appeared to take advantage of national difficulties to create fear among ordinary citizens. Without naming any particular opposition party, he alleged that such efforts were intended to generate panic and damage the image of his government.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as India continues to monitor the economic impact of tensions in West Asia, particularly their potential effects on energy supplies, fertiliser availability and international trade.
Modi said the country was responding collectively to the challenges, but accused his political opponents of spreading misinformation at a time when unity was important. <Cite refs={[“turn285331search0″,”turn285331search1”]}/>
PM Modi Targets Opposition Over Fertiliser and LPG Shortage Claims
During his address, Modi alleged that opposition leaders had attempted to frighten farmers by suggesting that fertilisers would become unavailable because of the international conflict.
He also accused them of creating anxiety among women and households by spreading claims that cooking gas supplies could run out.
According to the Prime Minister, these messages were intended to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and make people question the government’s ability to manage the situation.
He said his administration had taken steps to ensure that farmers continued receiving fertilisers despite disruptions and uncertainty in international markets.
Modi also maintained that the government had prevented rising global fertiliser costs from being transferred directly to Indian farmers. <Cite refs={[“turn285331search0″,”turn285331search1”]}/>
Government Highlights Support for Farmers
The Prime Minister used the occasion to highlight the Centre’s agricultural support programmes and financial assistance provided to farmers.
He said approximately ₹24 lakh crore had been transferred to wheat and paddy farmers through Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement over the past 12 years.
He also referred to the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, under which financial assistance is transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers.
During the event, Modi released the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN, amounting to approximately ₹19,000 crore, providing financial support to beneficiaries across the country. <Cite refs={[“turn285331search0″,”turn285331search1”]}/>
The Prime Minister said small farmers, who account for a large proportion of India’s agricultural community, had historically faced difficulties accessing financial support and institutional assistance.
He argued that direct benefit transfers and other government programmes had helped improve financial inclusion in rural areas.
West Asia Conflict Raises Concerns Over India’s Economy
The remarks come against the backdrop of continuing tensions involving Iran and countries in the Gulf region.
The conflict has raised concerns about energy security, international shipping routes and the movement of essential commodities. India, which depends significantly on imported energy, remains exposed to fluctuations in global oil and gas markets.
Disruptions in the region could also affect fertiliser production and transportation, creating additional uncertainty for agricultural supply chains.
The government has sought to reassure consumers and farmers about the availability of essential supplies. However, international developments remain an important factor influencing energy prices and commodity markets.
Modi said India’s response had focused on protecting ordinary citizens from the economic consequences of the crisis.
PM Modi Announces Development Projects Worth Over ₹14,000 Crore
The political remarks formed part of the Prime Minister’s two-day visit to Gujarat, during which he announced and inaugurated development projects worth more than ₹14,000 crore in Banaskantha.
One of the major projects highlighted during the visit was the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi.
Spread across approximately 127 acres, the facility is designed to support cattle breeding, genetic improvement and advanced reproductive technologies. It will focus particularly on the Kankrej cattle breed, which is traditionally associated with Gujarat and neighbouring regions. <Cite refs={[“turn285331search0″,”turn285331search1”]}/>
Modi also laid the foundation stones for two Bio-CNG plants being developed by Banas Dairy at Tharad and Radhanpur.
The facilities are expected to process cattle dung and contribute to renewable energy production, while creating additional economic opportunities for dairy farmers.
The projects form part of wider efforts to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and promote technology-based development in rural Gujarat.
Political Disagreements Continue Over National Issues
The Prime Minister’s latest remarks add to an ongoing exchange between the BJP and opposition parties over the government’s handling of national and international issues.
Earlier, while addressing the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on October 22, Modi accused the Congress of damaging India’s international reputation and seeking foreign intervention in domestic matters.
He also criticised the party’s leadership and its approach to parliamentary and political activities. <Cite refs={[“turn285331search2″,”turn285331search4”]}/>
Opposition parties, meanwhile, have continued to raise questions about government policies, democratic institutions and economic management.
The latest comments highlight how international developments and domestic political disagreements are increasingly intersecting in India’s political debate.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in Banaskantha focused on the government’s response to international uncertainty and the role of opposition parties during periods of national difficulty.
He accused political opponents of spreading rumours about fertiliser and cooking gas shortages to create panic and undermine his administration’s reputation. He also highlighted agricultural support programmes, financial assistance to farmers and new development projects in Gujarat.
While the government has emphasised its efforts to protect essential supplies, concerns surrounding the West Asia conflict remain significant for India’s energy and agricultural sectors.
The remarks are likely to keep the debate over economic preparedness, political accountability and the responsibilities of opposition parties in the national spotlight.