BJP-Ruled States Launch Austerity Measures After PM Modi’s Call for Fuel and Spending Cuts

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity and resource conservation, several BJP-ruled states have begun rolling out measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption, cutting unnecessary expenditure, and promoting energy-saving practices.

In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials and instructed departments to adopt strict cost-cutting and fuel-saving measures.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government made it mandatory for ministers to obtain approval from the Chief Minister’s Office before using aircraft for official travel.

In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed officials to keep the number of vehicles in his convoy to a minimum.

Similar instructions were reportedly issued to bureaucrats and elected representatives to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.

Yogi Adityanath also ordered an immediate reduction of at least 50 per cent in the number of vehicles used in his official convoy, as well as those of ministers in the state government.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister further encouraged the increased use of virtual meetings and digital communication.

He said official seminars, conferences, and departmental meetings should be held online wherever possible.

“Ministers, MPs, MLAs and other public representatives should use public transport at least one day every week,” Yogi said. “A weekly ‘No Vehicle Day’ should also be observed.

The state government should issue an advisory encouraging work-from-home for two days a week, while half of the internal meetings at the Secretariat and Directorates should be conducted virtually.”

He also called for reducing decorative lighting in malls, private establishments, and commercial complexes after 10 pm as part of energy conservation efforts.

In addition, the Chief Minister urged citizens and wedding planners to organise ceremonies and celebrations within India rather than abroad.

Yogi further announced that museums and memorials in the state would be opened free of charge for visitors for a limited period.

He also appealed to people to reduce edible oil consumption and avoid unnecessary gold purchases.

In Mumbai, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told reporters that ministers would now need clearance from the Chief Minister’s Office before using aircraft, except in emergencies.

Bawankule added that many departmental meetings in Maharashtra are already being conducted online to reduce travel and expenses.

Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane also instructed officials to prioritise the use of electric vehicles.

Several planned foreign visits by Maharashtra leaders have also been cancelled in line with the austerity push.

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar cancelled an MLA’s study tour to Japan scheduled for May 23.

Tourism Minister Shambhuraje Desai called off his proposed visit to London and Paris, while Culture Minister Ashish Shelar cancelled his trip to France.

In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reduced the number of vehicles in his convoy until further notice.

During a Cabinet meeting, he appealed to ministers to reduce petrol and diesel consumption in the national interest and encouraged the use of public transport.

Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar symbolically rode an electric bike to the Secretariat in Gwalior and announced plans to reduce his use of conventional fuel-powered vehicles in support of the Prime Minister’s message.

The austerity campaign also saw BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh opting for eco-friendly transport.

Small Industries Corporation Chairman Satyendra Bhushan Singh travelled to the BJP office in an e-rickshaw while assuming charge of his new role.

Similarly, Khadi and Village Industries Board vice-chairman Rakesh Singh Jadoun also arrived at the party office in an e-rickshaw.

In Gujarat, Health Minister Praful Pansheriya announced that he would stop using escort vehicles as part of the broader austerity initiative.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar of the NCP(SP) expressed concern over the impact of the Prime Minister’s remarks on industry and investor confidence.

He said the statements had created uncertainty among businesses and global investors and called for an all-party meeting to discuss the situation.

“On matters of national importance, it is wise to take leaders of all political parties into confidence,” Pawar said.