AIMIM Chief criticises BJP over PM Modi’s appeal to reduce gold purchase

Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal urging citizens to reduce gold purchases amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government was concealing the actual state of the Indian economy.

Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief referred to India’s past and present gold reserve movements, recalling that the country had transferred 47 tonnes of gold to London during the 1991 balance of payments crisis, Free Press Journal reported.

Owaisi pointed out that India was now bringing gold back from London in 2026 despite possessing foreign exchange reserves of around USD 691 billion and holding substantial bullion reserves. He questioned why the country was facing economic difficulties under such circumstances.

He further claimed that India had shifted 104 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements during the second half of 2025.

According to Owaisi, the Prime Minister’s remarks were surprising in light of these developments. He alleged that the BJP government was hiding the true condition of the economy and attempting to frame public hardship as an act of patriotism.

The AIMIM leader also accused the Centre of projecting economic strength during elections and reducing excise duties earlier, only to later shift the burden onto ordinary citizens.

Owaisi further criticised the Union government over the cancellation of the NEET examination following allegations of a paper leak. Questioning the effectiveness of the anti-paper leak legislation passed by Parliament, he asked how such an incident could occur despite promises of strict action against those involved in exam leaks.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Owaisi reportedly said students had been advised not to feel stressed, but argued that the concerns of students who had spent years preparing for the exam and families who had invested large amounts in coaching could not be ignored.

The Hyderabad MP stated that both the BJP and the Prime Minister would eventually have to answer the concerns raised by students and parents affected by the NEET controversy.

Commenting on officials associated with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal being appointed to significant positions in the new government, Owaisi reportedly remarked that it was unusual for individuals involved in the SIR exercise to subsequently become part of the state administration.