New Delhi : Chief Ministers of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states have come forward and followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity call by reducing the number of vehicles in their cavalcade, in a bid to save energy resources. PM Modi, in a public address on Sunday, urged the nation to reduce the consumption of petrol, diesel, use less cooking oil, not buy gold for almost a year, bring back practices such as work from home and virtual meetings, among other measures in order to save energy resources amid a global disruption in oil trade.
Walking the talk, Prime Minister himself directed officials to cut the number of vehicles in his cavalcade and the move is now being followed by BJP CMs. Among those who have reduced cars in their convoy are – Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, while others may also follow it soon.
UP CM Yogi Reduces Cavalcade by 50 Percent
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath directed an immediate 50 percent reduction in the fleet of vehicles for the Chief Minister, ministers, and others. He stated that ministers, MPs, MLAs, and public representatives should use public transport for one day a week.
Rajasthan CM Orders Minimum Cars in His Convoy
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered a minimum number of cars in his convoy. On Wednesday, the chief minister was seen moving in a reduced cavalcade of five cars. An official spokesperson said Sharma has instructed that no unnecessary vehicles should be used in his convoy, which must be kept at a minimum. Similar instructions have been issued to the chief secretary and other state officials, the spokesperson said
Rajasthan CM Orders Minimum Cars in His Convoy
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered a minimum number of cars in his convoy. On Wednesday, the chief minister was seen moving in a reduced cavalcade of five cars. An official spokesperson said Sharma has instructed that no unnecessary vehicles should be used in his convoy, which must be kept at a minimum. Similar instructions have been issued to the chief secretary and other state officials, the spokesperson said.
Madhya Pradesh CM Reduces Vehicles in Cavalcade
Earlier on Tuesday, MP CM Mohan Yadav reduced the number of vehicles in his cavalcade until further orders, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity measures. In a cabinet meeting, Yadav appealed to members of the Council of Ministers to reduce petrol and diesel consumption in the national interest and batted for the use of public transport, an official said.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Follow PM Modi’s Call
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also announced that a minimum number of vehicles will be used for official purposes. The CM informed that she herself and all her cabinet ministers, all MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party, public representatives, officers of the Delhi government, and all departments will also use the minimum number of vehicles as per requirement and prioritize carpooling and public transport.
Chhattisgarh CM Sai Trims Convoy, Supports Use of EVs
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also said he has reduced the size of his convoy and that there will be special focus on the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in future.
Sai also urged his cabinet colleagues and office-bearers of various state-run corporations and boards to ensure restrained use of vehicles and other government resources.
The move comes following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity and reduced dependence on fuel-driven vehicles.
The prime minister suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using metro rail services in cities, carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles, utilising railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange.
