'No Lockdown, But India Must Prepare': Kiren Rijiju on PM Modi’s Appeal - EXCLUSIVE

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to conserve fuel, reduce unnecessary spending and avoid panic buying amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, saying the country must stay prepared during uncertain global conditions.Speaking exclusively to Times Now’s Zakka Jacob on Frankly Speaking, Rijiju said India was not in a crisis situation but needed to act responsibly as tensions in West Asia continue to impact global energy markets and trade routes.“India didn't create the West Asia crisis. Unfortunately when the crisis is dragging on, we have to prepare ourselves. We cant be at the mercy of outside events. So PM has given a call - conserve energy,” Rijiju said.The

minister said Prime Minister Modi has consistently focused on boosting domestic production and reducing dependence on imports over the last 12 years.“PM has taken numerous such steps in the past 12 years.. to better our domestic production, to conserve energy, PM has done so many things.. despite that India is 2nd largest importer of oil.. so we have to listen to the leader, when there is a crisis surrounding us. This is not a normal time,” he added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJqzxYZXHyk

Rijiju also hit out at opposition parties, urging them to support the government during difficult times instead of politicising the issue.“I wanted to answer the opposition in parliament. During time of crisis, nation should stand behind the leader. During normal time we can do politics. But critical time, needs critical support from everywhere. Opposition parties should stand behind the leader during times of crisis,” he said.The remarks come after Prime Minister Modi appealed to citizens and government departments to conserve fuel and energy resources amid concerns over rising crude oil prices and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil requirements, making it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.Responding to questions on measures such as higher import duties on gold, sugar exports and commercial LPG pricing, Rijiju said the government’s decisions were guided by national interest.“PM thinks for the nation and whatever he has appealed, is only for the nation. If everybody follows the appeal, it is good for the nation,” he said.The Union minister also revealed that ministries had been asked to cut energy consumption and limit foreign travel unless absolutely necessary.“We have all cut our expenses.. we have told our ministry to cut down the energy uses by more than 50%. Also travel to foreign countries cut unless absolutely essential,” Rijiju said.Emphasising the scale of public participation needed, he added: “If nation of billion people listen to PM, it will have a huge impact. You can imagine the scale, if people genuinely listen to PM.”At the same time, Rijiju dismissed speculation about any emergency-like situation or lockdown in the country.“No lockdown. One shouldn't make any kind of claim to create some kind of urgency or crisis. India is not facing crisis but it is good to be prepared,” he clarified.