By News Karnataka Editorial Team

Copyright newskarnataka

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of hypocrisy for promoting ‘Swadeshi’ while personally relying on foreign products. Her remarks came hours after the Prime Minister reiterated his call for indigenous manufacturing at the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025.

Congress questions Modi’s Swadeshi stance

Speaking to ANI, Shrinate alleged that PM Modi’s lifestyle contradicts his advocacy for Swadeshi. “PM Narendra Modi talks about Swadeshi, but from top to bottom, he is immersed in foreign things,” she said.

The Congress spokesperson pointed out that Modi’s spectacles are of Italian-Bulgarian make, his pen is a German brand Mobla, his watch is a Swiss Mavado, and his shoes are Kenneth Cole’s from America. She further criticised his choice of vehicles, citing his use of BMWs and Mercedes cars, as well as the American aircraft used for official travel.

Shrinate also extended her criticism to the Prime Minister’s cabinet, alleging that the children of several ministers are studying in prestigious foreign universities. “There is another limit to hypocrisy. All the people around Modi, all his ministers, all their children study in big foreign universities, they are settled there, they are making big money there. Call all of them back to India. Tell them to come to India and cooperate in Swadeshi,” she said.

“Limit to hypocrisy,” says Congress leader

Continuing her criticism, Shrinate accused the BJP leadership of being deeply reliant on foreign lifestyles despite their rhetoric. “The way you dress, the way you fly, the things you use are all foreign. And you talk about Swadeshi. Talking about Swadeshi looks very bad from your mouth. Remember, there is a limit to hypocrisy, Mr Modi,” she remarked.

Her comments are in line with the Congress party’s broader criticism of the government’s economic policies, often framing them as contradictory to the Prime Minister’s messaging.

PM Modi reiterates push for Make in India

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the business community at the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025, underlined his government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous production.

“The government is putting a strong emphasis on Make in India manufacturing. We want everything from chip to ship to be manufactured in India; for this, we are focusing on ease of doing business,” Modi said. He highlighted reforms such as the abolition of over 40,000 compliances and the decriminalisation of more than 1,000 laws, aiming to boost domestic industry.

PM Modi further urged traders and entrepreneurs to adopt the mantra of Swadeshi proudly. “Every citizen is adopting Swadeshi, Garv se kaho hum swadeshi hai, our traders will have to proudly adopt this mantra,” he declared, adding that indigenous products must meet high standards with no compromise on quality.

The exchange highlights the sharp divide between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress on economic nationalism. While PM Modi continues to project Swadeshi as a core development strategy for India, Shrinate’s remarks reflect the opposition’s attempts to question the authenticity of the government’s stance. The debate is likely to intensify as India seeks to position itself as a global manufacturing hub