Ajendra Singh Lodhi, a Member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party representing Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh, ignited controversy by using derogatory terms to describe Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him anti-national. His comments came in response to Modi's appeal for austerity measures amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has led to increased fuel prices. In retaliation, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla condemned Lodhi's remarks, stating that they exemplify the 'political culture' of the Samajwadi Party, which he described as one of hatred rather than love. Poonawalla also noted that opposition leaders have frequently targeted Modi personally, including insults related to his background and community. The BJP argues that the recent electoral defeats faced by opposition parties have resulted in heightened frustration, prompting such aggressive rhetoric. PM Modi, in a rally in Hyderabad, emphasized the need for collective economic resilience and urged citizens to adopt measures such as using public transport and reducing fuel consumption to mitigate the crisis's impact. He called for a temporary halt on foreign travel and gold purchases to conserve foreign exchange.