Mumbai, May 14, 2026 — In a visible response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrived at Vidhan Bhavan on a motorcycle on Thursday, leaving behind his usual large security convoy.
Fadnavis rode a Royal Enfield Bullet from his official residence ‘Varsha’ to the state legislature for an MLC oath-taking ceremony. He was accompanied by his security personnel and senior BJP leader Ashish Shelar. He later departed on the same motorcycle after the event.
The move comes days after Prime Minister Modi urged leaders and citizens to adopt austerity measures amid concerns over rising global oil prices linked to the situation in West Asia. Modi had encouraged measures such as cutting down large vehicle convoys, promoting carpooling, electric vehicles, and work-from-home wherever feasible. Several BJP-ruled states, including Maharashtra, have announced steps like reducing ministerial escorts and cancelling non-essential foreign trips.
Fadnavis described the decision as part of a broader effort to reduce convoy sizes and save public money, positioning it as leading by example. His usual Z+ security protocol typically involves a convoy of 10-14 vehicles, making Thursday’s motorcycle ride a striking departure from the norm for a short urban route.
The gesture has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters have praised it as a strong symbolic step towards fuel conservation and responsible governance. However, opposition parties, including Congress, have dismissed it as a “photo-op” and questioned its long-term impact on actual fuel savings and administrative efficiency.
This is not the first time Indian leaders have opted for such symbolic austerity measures, but Fadnavis’s ride has generated significant attention on social media, with opinions ranging from appreciation for the message to skepticism about security implications and scalability.
The development underscores a renewed push by the government to promote mindful resource use at a time when global energy markets remain volatile.
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