Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 14: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday arrived at Vidhan Bhavan on a Royal Enfield motorcycle in a symbolic gesture supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and austerity measures.
The Chief Minister travelled from his official residence, Varsha, to Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai as ten newly elected Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), including representatives from the BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT), took oath during the monsoon session proceedings.
BJP leader Ashish Shelar accompanied the Chief Minister as pillion rider during the journey.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said the move was intended to promote awareness on reduced fuel usage and sustainable commuting practices. He said citizens and public representatives should collectively support efforts to cut down fuel consumption.
“I came on a motorcycle to support the Prime Minister’s decision, and I believe when leaders take such steps, it helps influence people as well,” he said.
The symbolic gesture comes amid the Centre’s renewed focus on reducing dependence on fuel-driven vehicles and encouraging environmentally conscious practices. The initiative also gained attention during the ongoing session at Vidhan Bhavan.
Among those who took oath were Neelam Gorhe, Omprakash Kadu (Bachchu Kadu), Ambadas Danve and Zeeshan Siddique, along with other newly elected MLCs.
Fadnavis also said the state government has reduced official convoys, cancelled foreign tours, and deferred major programmes as part of austerity measures aligned with the Centre’s appeal.
Responding to criticism from Opposition leaders, he termed the remarks “immature”, stating that several countries adopt strict measures during global crises and that the Prime Minister had only urged voluntary restraint rather than imposed restrictions.
He further added that past governments under Indira Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao and former finance minister P. Chidambaram had also implemented similar austerity-driven steps during their tenures.