In a strong statement made during a parliamentary session, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Prime Minister is avoiding accountability over the recent imposition of 25 percent tariffs on a range of imported goods. Tiwari argued that the government’s decision has placed an undue burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses and has worsened the effects of inflation.
Speaking on the floor of the Rajya Sabha, Tiwari demanded a detailed explanation from the central government regarding the rationale behind the steep tariffs. He questioned whether the government had assessed the economic consequences of such a move and accused it of failing to communicate the long-term goals of the policy. According to Tiwari, the Prime Minister has remained silent on critical economic decisions that affect millions, preferring to highlight selective successes while ignoring public concerns.
Tiwari's criticism centered around the view that the tariff increase would raise the cost of essential goods and raw materials, affecting industries dependent on imports. He said that while the government claims to promote self-reliance through its Make in India campaign, sudden policy shifts without preparation or clarity end up hurting domestic markets more than benefiting them.
The Congress MP also highlighted that trade relations with key international partners could be negatively impacted due to such unilateral decisions. He pointed out that tariffs of this nature could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, harming India’s export sector. He argued that rather than strengthening the economy, the government’s actions have created uncertainty among investors and producers.
Further, Tiwari criticized what he called the lack of parliamentary debate on significant economic matters. He stated that policies with widespread financial impact should be discussed transparently in the legislature, and urged the government to take Parliament into confidence before implementing such changes.
In response, members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party defended the tariffs as necessary measures aimed at protecting domestic industries and reducing dependency on foreign products. They argued that the government is committed to building a self-reliant economy and that temporary hardship will lead to long-term gains.
However, opposition leaders, including those from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and CPI(M), continued to raise concerns over inflation, stagnant wages, and the rising cost of living. Many urged the Finance Ministry to issue a detailed white paper explaining the economic strategy behind the tariff decisions and their expected impact on employment, trade, and consumer prices.
The discussion in Parliament reflected the broader political divide over economic policy and governance. With general elections on the horizon, such issues are likely to remain at the center of political discourse in the coming months, especially as opposition parties position themselves against what they describe as economic mismanagement by the ruling government.
As of now, the Prime Minister's Office has not responded publicly to Tiwari’s statement. The matter is expected to come up again in upcoming sessions, as public and political pressure mounts for greater transparency on economic decisions.
