On May 15, 2026, the Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to postpone gold purchases for a year, calling it a 'death warrant' for the jewellery sector. Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala stated that this advisory threatens the livelihoods of approximately 35 million individuals, including artisans, goldsmiths, and traders. The party demanded a special economic relief package to support those affected by the decision. Surjewala argued that the government's recent increase in import duties on gold and silver from 6% to 15% would disproportionately impact small jewellers and potentially lead to increased smuggling. He emphasized that over 90% of the jewellery trade operates through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are vital to the economy, contributing more than 7% to India's GDP. The Congress also questioned the government's contradictory stance of increasing sovereign gold holdings while advising against gold purchases, suggesting that these policies could undermine small jewellers in favor of larger corporate interests. Surjewala concluded by highlighting the cultural significance of gold in India, particularly for women, and criticized the government's past economic policies that have already weakened the sector.