Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) accused the Narendra Modi-led BJP government of preaching austerity to citizens while spending lavishly on publicity and political spectacle, even as pensions for the elderly, widows, and people with disabilities remain stagnant.

In a post on X, Mr. Kharge alleged that the Centre had failed to raise old-age pensions for the last 12 years despite soaring inflation, thereby eroding the economic dignity of vulnerable sections of society.

“Narendra Modi ji, you lecture the country on austerity and sacrifice while snatching dignity from India’s elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities. Why? For 12 years, the BJP has refused to increase old age pensions, even by a SINGLE PAISA, as price rise crushes our poor,” Mr. Kharge said.

The Congress chief claimed that inflation had sharply reduced the real value of social security pensions. “After a 45% erosion in purchasing power, the ₹200 pension is effectively worth about ₹110 in today’s terms, the ₹300 pension about ₹165, and the ₹500 pension about ₹275. But this shameless government would rather spend nearly ₹1.5 crore every single day on advertisements and lofty self promotions,” he alleged.

Also Read | PM austerity appeal row: BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi; cites Jawaharlal Nehru speech

‘Extravagant publicity spends’

Citing expenditure figures, Mr. Kharge claimed that the BJP government had spent ₹5,987.46 crore on advertisements and publicity campaigns between 2014-15 and 2024-25.

He added that while crores of elderly citizens struggled to survive on meagre pensions that barely covered their medical and food expenses, the ruling dispensation continued to spend heavily on election campaigns, official events, and publicity exercises.

“This cruel BJP model strips disadvantaged citizens of their economic dignity while spending extravagantly on political spectacle,” he said.

The Congress attack came after Mr. Modi urged citizens to follow austerity measures in view of the West Asia crisis by conserving fuel, avoiding unnecessary foreign travel, and reducing gold purchases to help strengthen the economy.