Convoy cuts, no Cannes trip, metro rides: BJP ministers echo PM's austerity push

Days after PM Modi urged Indians to embrace Covid-era restraint, BJP-ruled states began sharply reducing the size of ministerial convoys. Several ministers also cancelled foreign trips. Here's a look at the measures announced by different states as part of the austerity drive.

In Short

• Strait of Hormuz closure has disrupted oil and LPG supplies to India
• Modi urged people to delay gold buys and avoid foreign holidays
• Opposition cited Gujarat and Assam roadshows to question the government’s message

They say charity begins at home. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to embrace Covid-era restraint amid economic pressures stemming from the protracted Iran conflict, the BJP was called out for hypocrisy as its own ministers held roadshows and travelled in large convoys. As the criticism snowballed and outrage grew, several BJP-ruled states — along with PM Modi himself — walked the talk.

While PM Modi and several BJP chief ministers sharply reduced the size of their convoys, Maharashtra directed ministers to avoid unnecessary flights and switch to virtual meetings. Ministers Kapil Mishra and Ramdas Athawale were seen taking the metro to office on Wednesday, while Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar cancelled his visit to France for the Cannes Film Festival.

PM MODI'S AUSTERITY APPEAL

The writing had been on the wall for quite some time now. The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz — the global energy corridor — has affected oil and LPG supplies to India. India imports over 85% of its crude requirements, making it the second-largest oil importer. Several countries like China, Pakistan and Bangladesh had already announced fuel rationing and WFH measures.

India, however, held back. It was only on May 11, after elections to four states were over, that PM Modi called for "collective sacrifice", urging Indians to shift to public transport and revive work-from-home practices to conserve fuel.

To preserve foreign exchange reserves, he urged citizens to delay gold purchases for a year and avoid foreign holidays and destination weddings. Reduction in edible oil use and cutting down on imported fertilisers also featured in PM Modi's speech.

However, the opposition was quick to flag the gap between PM Modi's appeals and his extravagant political activities in Gujarat and Assam. Visuals of Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Saubhagya Singh Thakur's massive 200-vehicle convoy quickly went viral on social media, sparking further outrage.

Amid the criticism, several BJP-ruled states announced austerity measures. PM Modi led the charge himself, with sources saying that he has ordered a 50% reduction in the size of his convoy and urged the use of EVs. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also seen travelling with just five cars in his convoy - down from the 10-11 vehicles that usually accompany him.

The chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi also issued similar directives.

AUSTERITY MEASURES BY STATES

MAHARASHTRA

The Devendra Fadnavis-led government was quick to fall in step with PM Modi's austerity appeal. Ministers will now not be able to board a government aircraft on their whims, except for urgent business. Even this will require prior clearance from the chief minister.

Foreign tours of some ministers have also been called off. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar cancelled his travel to France for the Cannes Film Festival, while a study tour to Japan by 22 MLAs is also likely to be called off, according to a report in HT. Tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai has gone as far as cancelling a family trip to Europe.

DELHI

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on X that officers of the Delhi government and all ministers would use "a minimum number of vehicles" and prioritise carpooling and public transport. She also urged Delhi residents to make greater use of buses and Metro services instead of private vehicles.

UTTAR PRADESH

As part of its austerity push, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath directed a 50% reduction in the size of the convoys of ministers and other officials. Echoing PM Modi, Adityanath appealed to the people to reduce fuel consumption and avoid unnecessary gold purchases. He also urged offices to prioritise WFH.

After his appeal, several MLAs were seen ditching their escort facilities. Lucknow mayor Sushma Kharkwal also returned one of the two government vehicles allotted to her.

GUJARAT

The Gujarat government also took a broad set of measures as part of the austerity drive. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel travelled to Amreli with a convoy of just three vehicles. The health minister and labour minister have decided to forego their escort vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Governor has decided not to use helicopters for events within the state and to rely on trains, buses and public transport for intra-state travel. The Governor has also instructed vice-chancellors of universities across Gujarat to observe one day every week as "Chemical Engine Free Day", encouraging students and faculty to prioritise bicycles and EVs.

On the other hand, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi cancelled his trip to the US, where he was to attend a convention organised by the Federation of Gujarati Associations of the US (FOGAUSA).

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