New Delhi, May 12 -- With the Congress taking potshots at the government over austerity measures suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in view of the West Asia crisis, political observers said that Congress leaders had made similar appeals to people and also brought legislations during their rule to deal with a national challenge or an economic situation.

PM Modi has, over the past two days, spoken about the government's efforts to ensure that the impact of the West Asia war crisis on citizens is kept to a minimum and has noted that the prices of imported goods are soaring and global supply chains have also been severely disrupted in view of the West Asia conflict.

He has urged citizens to reduce unnecessary gold purchases, moderate...