Kejriwal challenges Modi’s Swadeshi appeal with sharp critique
- September 22, 2025
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Arvind Kejriwal has raised pointed questions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for citizens to embrace Swadeshi and prioritize Indian-made products. The remarks have sparked a political exchange, with leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) highlighting what they describe as contradictions between the Prime Minister’s message and his personal choices.
During his response to the Prime Minister’s call for greater reliance on indigenous goods, Kejriwal asked whether Modi would be willing to give up the foreign-manufactured aircraft he uses for travel. The comment was framed as a challenge to the consistency of advocating for domestic products while continuing to depend on imported items for official purposes.
Adding to the criticism, AAP Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh accused the Prime Minister of hypocrisy. Singh argued that while Modi urges citizens to support Indian products, he himself continues to rely on international brands and foreign-made commodities. According to Singh, this undermines the credibility of the Swadeshi campaign when its most visible proponent does not fully embody its principles.
The debate stems from a recent address in which Prime Minister Modi urged people across the country to adopt Swadeshi practices in their daily lives. He encouraged households and businesses alike to prioritize Made in India products, emphasizing that every shop and every home should reflect this commitment. The appeal was positioned as a way to strengthen domestic industries and promote self-reliance by reducing dependence on imported goods.
Kejriwal’s remarks highlight how economic campaigns often become intertwined with political narratives. By questioning the Prime Minister’s personal choices, opposition leaders aim to frame the Swadeshi push not only as an economic initiative but also as a test of authenticity for those promoting it. This rhetorical strategy seeks to resonate with citizens who may already feel skeptical about whether political leaders practice what they preach.
The exchange underscores a recurring theme in Indian politics: the tension between symbolic appeals and practical realities. While calls for self-reliance resonate strongly with national pride and economic independence, critics argue that such campaigns must be matched by consistent actions from leadership figures if they are to gain widespread trust. The debate also raises broader questions about how feasible it is for leaders or citizens to completely avoid foreign products in an interconnected global economy where supply chains span multiple countries.
In summary, Arvind Kejriwal’s pointed question about Prime Minister Modi’s use of a foreign aircraft has sharpened political discussion around the Swadeshi campaign. With AAP leaders accusing the government of sending mixed signals, the issue now extends beyond economics into questions of credibility and leadership consistency. As India continues its push toward self-reliance, these debates will likely remain central in shaping both public opinion and political discourse around indigenous production and consumer choice.