New Delhi : They say charity begins at home. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to embrace Covid-era restraint amid economic pressures stemming from the protracted Iran conflict, the BJP was called out for hypocrisy as its own ministers held roadshows and travelled in large convoys. While PM Modi and several BJP chief ministers sharply reduced the size of their convoys, Maharashtra directed ministers to avoid unnecessary flights and switch to virtual meetings.
The writing had been on the wall for quite some time now. The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz — the global energy corridor — has affected oil and LPG supplies to India. India imports over 85% of its crude requirements, making it the second-largest oil importer. Several countries like China, Pakistan and Bangladesh had already announced fuel rationing and WFH measures. India, however, held back. It was only on May 11, after elections to four states were over, that PM Modi called for “collective sacrifice”, urging Indians to shift to public transport and revive work-from-home practices to conserve fuel.
MAHARASHTRA
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government was quick to fall in step with PM Modi’s austerity appeal. Ministers will now not be able to board a government aircraft on their whims, except for urgent business. Even this will require prior clearance from the chief minister.
DELHI
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on X that officers of the Delhi government and all ministers would use “a minimum number of vehicles” and prioritise carpooling and public transport. She also urged Delhi residents to make greater use of buses and Metro services instead of private vehicles.
UTTAR PRADESH
As part of its austerity push, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath directed a 50% reduction in the size of the convoys of ministers and other officials. Echoing PM Modi, Adityanath appealed to the people to reduce fuel consumption and avoid unnecessary gold purchases. He also urged offices to prioritise WFH.
GUJARAT
The Gujarat government also took a broad set of measures as part of the austerity drive. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel travelled to Amreli with a convoy of just three vehicles. The health minister and labour minister have decided to forego their escort vehicles. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Governor has decided not to use helicopters for events within the state and to rely on trains, buses and public transport for intra-state travel.
MADHYA PRADESH
The number of vehicles in the Chief Minister’s convoy has been reduced from 13 to eight, while the government has directed ministers and newly appointed office-bearers of corporations and boards to avoid vehicle rallies.
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