Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent call for austerity, questioning the contrast between claims of rapid economic growth and appeals for citizens to cut back on spending. Siddaramaiah said the Prime Minister must clarify what kind of development the country is experiencing if people are being urged to reduce purchases of gold, fuel, edible oil and foreign travel.

The Congress party also blamed rising fuel and commodity prices on what it described as a confused foreign policy amid ongoing international conflicts. It argued that increasing costs of petrol, diesel, cooking gas and essential goods have placed a heavy burden on ordinary citizens.

Defending Karnataka's economic performance, the party highlighted that the state's per capita income and growth rate are higher than the national average. Shivakumar called the austerity suggestions impractical, questioning how families planning weddings or religious ceremonies could avoid buying gold and asking why price rises were not addressed.

Responding to the Prime Minister's criticism of the state government, Siddaramaiah accused him of diverting attention from issues within his own party. He said the tone of the Prime Minister's speech lowered the dignity of the office and avoided substantive governance concerns.