West Asia crisis | Safeuguard public's interests, ensure supply chains work well: PM Modi to state CMs in meeting

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged Chief Ministers to ensure smooth functioning of supply chains and take strict measures against hoarding and profiteering.

The PM held a virtual meeting with CMs to review the preparedness and contingency plans of states in view of the ongoing West Asia conflict.

In the meeting, Modi emphasised the government’s priorities — maintaining economic and trade stability, ensuring energy security, safeguarding citizens’ interests, and strengthening industry and supply chains.

He called for constant communication and coordination between the Centre and the States, along with timely sharing of information and joint decision-making, to enable swift and well-coordinated responses.

Amid growing concerns over possible energy supply shortages, this was the first such meeting convened by the PM with CMs since the West Asia conflict began on February 28.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah were also present during the meeting.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for advance planning in the agriculture sector, particularly in monitoring fertiliser storage and distribution, to ensure farmers do not face difficulties during the upcoming Kharif season.

Asking states to activate control rooms at the state and district levels and maintaining administrative alertness to prevent any disruptions, Modi cautioned against the spread of misinformation and rumours, stating that timely dissemination of accurate and credible information was essential to prevent panic.

Advising the CM to be vegil against online frauds and fake agents, the PM asked border and coastal states to pay special attention to emerging challenges related to shipping, essential supplies, and maritime operations.

The Prime Minister underscored the need to maintain public confidence by assuring the availability of essential commodities. He suggested that states with citizens in West Asia should activate helplines, appoint nodal officers, and set up district-level support systems to assist affected families.

Modi urged states to accelerate efforts in promoting alternative energy sources such as biofuels, solar energy, the GOBARdhan initiative, electric mobility, and expanding piped natural gas connections. Reiterating that addressing the challenge is a shared responsibility, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the nation would successfully overcome the situation by working together as “Team India.”

Chief Ministers expressed confidence that the situation remains stable, with adequate availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and assured that continuous monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.

Siddu skips meeting

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah skipped the meeting, with Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa attending on his behalf.

Criticising the Chief Minister, BJP Karnataka unit president B Y Vijayendra said Siddaramaiah had betrayed the state by skipping the important meeting that discussed steps to be taken during the crisis.

"By attending the meeting, the CM could have offered valuable suggestions on measures to ensure that the people of Karnataka do not suffer due to the war. They could have also discussed how the state can support the steps taken by the Central Government," Vijayendra posted on X.