West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday that he has instructed officials to reduce the number of vehicles in his convoy as a measure to conserve fuel. This decision came after Adhikari viewed a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently addressed the nation on the importance of setting examples in times of economic uncertainty. Adhikari conveyed to the media his directive to the Directorate of Security, emphasizing that his transportation should only involve the minimum necessary number of vehicles, eliminating any excess.
Adhikari expressed admiration for the Prime Minister, noting that Modi has consistently led by example, providing guidance on various issues. He mentioned that while following these examples is not obligatory, those who agree with the Prime Minister’s approach will naturally adopt similar practices. This aligns with Modi’s recent appeal to the public to contribute to mitigating economic challenges stemming from the global rise in crude oil prices, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
In his address on Sunday, the Prime Minister recommended several austerity measures to the public, suggesting actions such as carpooling, increased use of public transport, working from home, and reduced foreign travel. Additionally, he advised against unnecessary purchases of gold. The state government in West Bengal, in alignment with these recommendations, has stated that all Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs and ministers will now operate with a reduced number of vehicles.
When Adhikari arrived at the state legislative assembly after taking his oath as the MLA from Kolkata’s Bhabanipur, his convoy consisted of five vehicles. This is a significant reduction, as the chief minister’s convoy typically includes eight to ten cars while navigating through the city. This change reflects a broader commitment within the state government to adhere to the Prime Minister’s suggestions and demonstrates a proactive step towards resource conservation.
