Congress leader Rahul Gandhi warns of ‘financial earthquake’ over West Asia Crisis

Kozhikode: The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday warned of a looming "financial earthquake" triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia, cautioning that rising fuel prices and inflation would soon hit people in Kerala and across India.

Addressing a public rally in Kozhikode, Gandhi described the situation in the Gulf as a "tragedy" with uncertain consequences, but said its economic impact on India was inevitable. He predicted that within one or two months, global instability would push up fuel prices and drive inflation higher, causing widespread financial distress.

Targeting both the Centre and Kerala's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, Gandhi questioned their preparedness to shield citizens from the anticipated crisis. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be unable to respond effectively and claimed the Kerala government had failed to ease public concerns amid growing uncertainty.

Gandhi also accused the Prime Minister of remaining silent over alleged irregularities involving gold at the Sabarimala temple, claiming the issue was ignored despite repeated references to temples in political speeches. He further alleged selective action by central agencies, questioning why leaders from opposition parties face scrutiny while Kerala's Chief Minister does not.

Highlighting welfare promises, Gandhi said that if the United Democratic Front (UDF) comes to power in Kerala, it would introduce free bus travel for all women, provide Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to female students, offer Rs 3,000 pensions for senior citizens, and ensure interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh for young entrepreneurs. He also announced a proposed "Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme" to guarantee health coverage of Rs 25 lakh per family.

Gandhi said both the Centre and the state government lacked a clear plan to tackle rising unemployment, brain drain, and inflation, asserting that a UDF government would prioritise protecting Kerala's people from economic hardship. (ANI)

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