Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday (March 27, 2026) that the Centre is active and responding to the rapidly changing situation in the country as a result of the war in West Asia. She urged certain political leaders to stop fearmongering and said, “The government has no plans to impose a lockdown.”
Replying to a debate on the second Appropriation Bill and the Finance Bill, both of which were returned after a voice vote, Ms. Sitharaman said neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh have announced lockdowns, restricting movements and public events. “We are not doing this. But rumours are being spread by some leaders that there will be a lockdown. There is no plan for a lockdown in India. These leaders must stop spreading rumours. They are engaging in rumourmongering to create panic among the public. Lockdown is in Pakistan, not in India,” the Finance Minister said.
She said among its neighbourhood countries, India is maintaining a level of stability. “At no circumstances, there will not be any pressure on the public. The positive message to the public is to face this situation in a united manner. The government is active and responding to the rapidly changing situation,” she said after Opposition MPs raised issues of cooking fuel shortage across the country and the plight of Indian migrant workers in West Asia.
