New Delhi, May 11 -- Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "seven appeals" urging citizens to adopt responsible consumption habits amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, and hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for criticising the Prime Minister's remarks.

Speaking to ANI here, Giriraj Singh said the country has historically responded positively whenever the Prime Minister has called upon citizens to contribute during challenging times.

"The Prime Minister has issued an appeal to the nation...During the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi appealed to the people to stay indoors; did that amount to imprisoning people in their homes? Whenever such a call to action has been issued, the nation has stepped forwa...