Prime minister Narendra Modi has long championed the “Vocal for Local” campaign, urging citizens to buy and support Swadeshi (indigenous) products as an act of patriotism and economic self-reliance. His calls are often framed as a way to strengthen India’s manufacturing sector, reduce dependence on foreign goods, and empower local artisans and small businesses. The message has been repeated in Mann Ki Baat addresses, Independence Day speeches, and various government initiatives. For the common citizen, choosing Indian-made products has become more than just a consumer choice—it’s projected as a national duty.

However, this patriotic appeal rings hollow when juxtaposed with the actions of political leaders themselves. In a recent development, all delhi MLAs reportedly received brand-new iphone 16 Pro devices—each costing well over ₹1.5 lakh—as part of an official allotment. The irony is glaring. While ordinary citizens are being asked to sacrifice convenience and cost for nationalism by avoiding foreign brands, elected representatives are quietly enjoying the luxury of top-tier American gadgets, funded by taxpayer money. The disconnect between what leaders preach and what they practice sends a message of hypocrisy and double standards.

Such moves deeply undermine public trust and dilute the credibility of Swadeshi advocacy. If nationalism and economic self-reliance are truly a priority, then those in power must lead by example. Otherwise, the push for local goods risks being seen as a moral burden placed only on the shoulders of the middle class, while the political elite remain immune from its constraints. For meaningful change, political accountability and symbolic leadership are essential—not just slogans. Until then, gestures like gifting foreign luxury devices to MLAs only serve to expose the widening gap between nationalist rhetoric and political reality.
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SIBY JEYYA

07/08/2025 09:44 AM