National Duty Rises Above Partisan Politics: Kamal Haasan Backs PM Modi's Call To Save Energy

MNM President and MP Kamal Haasan has extended his support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to conserve fuel and power over the next year, stressing that national duty rises above partisan rivalry and that earlier crises showed how unity and shared sacrifice helped India cope.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to cut fuel use through steps such as work-from-home, online meetings, reduced travel and import restraint, arguing that these actions can help ease pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves as global energy prices climb and leave the economy exposed to costlier oil.

Energy saving appeal and key measures

PM Modi asked people to rely more on public transport, including metro systems, buses and shared cars, and suggested that families avoid non-essential foreign trips for at least one year, reduce gold purchases at weddings, and limit cooking oil and fertiliser consumption to curb foreign currency outflows and improve household budgets.

The Prime Minister had also highlighted that India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, had stated late last month that there was no proposal to raise petrol and diesel prices at fuel pumps, keeping domestic rates unchanged even as many other countries adjusted prices after the sharp surge in global crude benchmarks.

India has overcome wars, shortages, and global crises before - through unity and shared sacrifice. This moment calls for the same national spirit again. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Mi56m0I4pD

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) May 22, 2026

Energy saving call supported by Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan, in a video on X, noted that India had earlier endured wars, shortages and worldwide economic shocks through social cohesion, and said that more than 60 nations had already brought in energy-saving rules, pointing out that the current situation again demands that citizens and political leaders act with the same shared national spirit.

He praised the expansion of solar and wind power under PM Modi’s leadership during the last decade and said, "I'm encouraged by recent investments in coal gasification, renewable and nuclear energy. These are important steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and gas, he said." Kamal Haasan framed these trends as vital for long-term energy security.

Energy saving and detailed video message

In an accompanying video, Kamal Haasan addressed citizens directly and linked the Iran conflict to rising energy risks, also calling for joint action by central and state governments to shield ordinary people from higher costs, particularly through tax changes and cheaper mass transit that can shift commuters away from private vehicle use.

"My dear fellow countrymen, today I speak to you as an Indian deeply concerned by the impact of the Iran War... In response, more than 60 countries have already imposed energy-saving rules. We recently heard Singapore's PM asking his people to prepare for tough times ahead. We are a much larger country, and our PM has asked us to save energy over the next year. In moments like this, national responsibility must rise above party politics.

As Vajpayee ji famously said, governments will come and go, but the nation shall remain... As a centrist, I must also acknowledge good work irrespective of my political alliances. Under the PM's leadership, India's solar and wind energy capacity has increased over the last decade. I'm encouraged by recent investments in coal gasification, renewable and nuclear energy. These are important steps to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and gas. At the same time, sacrifice cannot be expected only from citizens.

Governments, too, must share the burden. Therefore, I request the PM to convene a national summit of all CMs. Both the central and state governments should work together to protect the common man and do two things immediately. State taxes like VAT on petrol and diesel should be reduced. Secondly, train, metro and bus fares should also be reduced so that more people can shift away from private vehicles. Geopolitics will affect pedestrians on the street as much as the high-flying rich. But if we face this crisis together, India will and can emerge stronger."

Energy saving, foreign exchange and daily choices

PM Modi had also stressed the need to protect foreign exchange, stating, "In the current situation, we must place great emphasis on saving foreign exchange," he said. Modi linked this to lifestyle decisions, from transport choices to household spending, and urged a renewed use of pandemic-era practices such as remote work and virtual meetings.

Both leaders, while coming from different political positions, converge on a single message that energy saving, lower fuel use and careful foreign exchange management are urgent national tasks, and that coordinated action by citizens, the central government and state administrations can help India handle the current crisis and emerge more resilient.