In a move to conserve fuel, West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, has instructed officials to reduce the number of vehicles in his official convoy. This decision was influenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent message advocating for fuel-saving measures. Speaking to the media after being sworn in as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Bhabanipur in Kolkata, Adhikari emphasized his commitment to minimizing vehicle use. He stated that the number of cars used for his movements should be kept to a necessary minimum, reflecting the Prime Minister’s guidance.
Adhikari expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, noting that the Prime Minister consistently sets a positive example for others to follow. While acknowledging that adherence to such measures is not obligatory, Adhikari encouraged those who believe in the initiative to follow suit. His remarks came after the Prime Minister’s address on Sunday, where Modi urged Indian citizens to adopt austerity measures in response to global economic challenges, particularly the rising crude oil prices due to the conflict in West Asia.
In his address, the Prime Minister recommended several measures for citizens to consider, such as carpooling, utilizing public transportation, working from home, reducing gold purchases, and limiting international travel. These suggestions aimed to help the nation navigate economic uncertainties. Following this guidance, state government officials announced that all Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs and ministers in West Bengal would also be reducing the number of vehicles they use.
Typically, Adhikari’s convoy consists of eight to ten vehicles when navigating the city. However, during his recent visit to the legislative assembly, only five vehicles were used, reflecting the new directive. This step by the chief minister and his administration highlights a commitment to the Prime Minister’s call for economic prudence and environmental responsibility amid rising global fuel costs.