Narendra Modi Accuses Opposition of Spreading Fertilizer Shortage Rumors

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Opposition of spreading rumors about shortages of cooking gas and fertilizers to create public panic during a conflict in West Asia. Speaking in Bhildi, Gujarat, Modi stated that these rumors were intended to defame him and cause anxiety among farmers and women. He asserted that the government has ensured uninterrupted supplies and absorbed sharp international cost increases to protect the agricultural sector.

Modi noted that the government spent approximately Rs 16 lakh crore to shield farmers from global price hikes. He highlighted that urea is provided to Indian farmers for less than Rs 300 despite an international cost of approximately Rs 3,000, and diammonium phosphate is available for Rs 1,350 against a global price exceeding Rs 5,000. He further claimed that five government initiatives have saved or provided farmers with over Rs 50 lakh crore.

During his two-day visit to Gujarat, Modi inaugurated the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre and launched development projects totaling Rs 14,000 crore in Banaskantha. He also released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. These remarks followed a political controversy sparked by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, to whom Modi responded by vowing to serve the people until his last breath.