In a move aimed at conserving fuel, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday that he has instructed officials to reduce the number of vehicles in his official convoy. “After listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent message to the nation, I felt compelled to take action,” Adhikari said following his swearing-in at the state legislative assembly as the MLA for Kolkata’s Bhabanipur. “The Prime Minister has consistently led by example, and I’ve directed the Directorate of Security to limit the convoy to only essential vehicles.”
Adhikari emphasized that although following the Prime Minister’s lead is not mandatory, those who believe in his vision should set a similar example. The Prime Minister had recently addressed the nation, encouraging citizens to embrace various cost-saving measures in response to the economic challenges posed by a global increase in crude oil prices, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Among the recommendations were suggestions for carpooling, increasing reliance on public transportation, working from home, and reducing non-essential expenditures such as gold purchases and international travel.
The state government has indicated that all Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs and ministers in West Bengal will now adopt similar measures by reducing the number of vehicles they use. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to align with the Prime Minister’s call for austerity and resource conservation during these economically uncertain times.
When Adhikari arrived at the assembly, his convoy consisted of five vehicles. This is a notable reduction from the typical eight to ten cars that usually accompany the chief minister during his movements through the city. The directive to cut down on convoy size not only aims to save fuel but also serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Prime Minister’s broader economic strategy.