In a bid to conserve fuel, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday a reduction in the number of vehicles in his convoy. After taking his oath at the state legislative assembly as the MLA from Kolkata’s Bhabanipur, Adhikari emphasized the importance of setting an example by minimizing resource usage. He addressed the media, stating that he had instructed the Directorate of Security to ensure that only the essential number of vehicles are utilized during his movements.
Adhikari’s decision follows a recent appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who urged citizens to adopt various austerity measures to mitigate the economic impact of rising global crude oil prices, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Prime Minister’s suggestions included carpooling, utilizing public transportation, working from home, reducing gold purchases, and limiting foreign travel. Adhikari highlighted that while adherence to these guidelines is not mandatory, those who believe in their importance would naturally follow the Prime Minister’s lead.
The chief minister, who typically travels with a convoy of eight to ten vehicles, arrived at the assembly with a reduced escort of five cars. This move aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to cut down on vehicle use among Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs and ministers, reflecting a commitment to the Prime Minister’s call for frugality in light of current economic challenges.
Adhikari praised Prime Minister Modi for consistently setting a positive example for the nation, emphasizing that his guidance often points leaders and citizens alike in the right direction. The chief minister’s decision to scale back his convoy is seen as a direct response to the Prime Minister’s message, underscoring a collective effort to address the fiscal uncertainties facing India by adopting practical and sustainable measures.