Hours before taking oath as a Member of Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday announced a significant cut in the number of vehicles in his official convoy, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation amid concerns over global energy supplies.
The move came on the day newly-elected MLAs began taking oath in the Assembly. Adhikari, who took oath as the MLA from Bhawanipore, said unnecessary vehicles in his convoy would be withdrawn with immediate effect. Standing outside the Assembly before the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Minister said he had already instructed his security personnel to remove “unnecessary vehicles” from the convoy in line with the Centre’s broader message on energy conservation.
The decision follows Prime Minister Modi’s call for reducing fuel consumption in view of uncertainties in global crude oil supplies, particularly in the backdrop of continuing tensions and conflict in West Asia. According to sources, the Prime Minister has already reduced the size of his own convoy by nearly 50 per cent. Union home minister Amit Shah is also expected to follow similar measures. In a symbolic gesture supporting the campaign, several BJP legislators arrived at the Assembly in buses to attend the oath-taking ceremony. Party leaders indicated that once the new Cabinet is formally constituted, ministers may increasingly use pooled transport and adopt fuel-saving measures in their official movement. The development comes amid growing concern over fuel consumption and the need to promote energy efficiency. Uttar Pradesh has already introduced a “No Vehicle Day” once a week for certain government offices and similar proposals are now being discussed in West Bengal administrative circles.
State minister Agnimitra Paul also endorsed the initiative, saying she intends to use public transport at least once or twice a week to travel to her office. The minister, who holds the urban development and municipal affairs as well as women and child welfare portfolios, said the objective was to send a message on reducing unnecessary fuel expenditure. Recalling her earlier days of travelling by bus and tram, Paul said ministers should remain connected with ordinary people and understand public sentiment more directly through daily interaction. Asked about security concerns while using public transport, she remarked, “Rakhhe Hari Mare Ke,” suggesting that excessive security should not become an obstacle to public engagement.
Meanwhile Mr Adhikary took part in a victory procession from Bhawanipore. The oath-taking ceremony at the Assembly began on Wednesday and will continue on Thursday. Altogether 290 newly-elected legislators are scheduled to take oath over the two days. Wednesday’s session included MLAs from nine north Bengal districts along with Nadia, North 24-Parganas and South 24-Parganas, while legislators from the remaining 11 districts are expected to take oath on Thursday.