Big turn in MP politics after PM Modi’s fuel saving appeal! CM Mohan Yadav filled 13 to 8 vehicles in the VIP convoy, ministers left on e-scooty and e-rickshaw, the judge reached the High Court on bicycle. But meanwhile, as soon as the convoy of 200 vehicles of BJP MLA’s son went viral, a big controversy broke out on political hypocrisy, VIP culture and double standards.
MP VIP Convoy: Amidst the increasing consumption of petrol and diesel and the global energy crisis, changes are now visible on the road to politics as well. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to save fuel, the Madhya Pradesh government led by CM Mohan Yadav has announced to put a big break on the VIP culture. Now the long convoys of the Chief Minister and Ministers will be limited, vehicle rallies will be banned during official tours and simplicity will be promoted. This decision of the government has created a stir in political circles. The question is also arising whether this is really a serious fuel saving initiative or a political strategy to send a message among the public?
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Reduction from 13 to only 8 vehicles: Big change in CM convoy
Till now, about 13 vehicles were included in the convoy of the Chief Minister. Being a Z+ security category, the security cordon was kept very large. But after the new order, only 8 vehicles will be included in the convoy of the Chief Minister during his local tour in Bhopal. These will include pilot vehicle, media car, escort vehicle, VIP car, spare bulletproof car, ambulance and tail car. Extra vehicles have been completely banned. The government claims that this will save fuel and send a message of simplicity among the public.
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“Fuel saving is not just the responsibility of the government, it is the responsibility of every citizen.”
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that reducing fuel consumption in the national interest is the need of the hour and the government itself will initiate it. He also made it clear that the newly appointed corporation-board officers will also take charge with simplicity. This statement of the Chief Minister is being linked to the new “simple governance” image of the government. But meanwhile some pictures and videos started going viral on social media, which raised questions on the entire campaign.
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E-rickshaw ride… but line of cars behind!
The newly appointed Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Small Industries Corporation, Satyendra Bhushan Singh arrived in Bhopal to take charge in an e-rickshaw. Energy Minister Pradyumn Singh Tomar also reached the ministry on e-scooty. Many BJP leaders and MLAs were also seen traveling in e-rickshaws. But during this time, big car and bike convoys of supporters were also seen. These pictures became a big issue for the opposition.
BJP MLA’s son’s convoy of 400 vehicles goes viral
While the government was giving the message of fuel saving, the convoy of BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi’s son with about 400 vehicles went viral on social media. The video showed a long vehicle rally and a reel being shot. After this, Congress launched a scathing attack on the government and BJP leaders. The party said that “the message of sacrifice is being given to the public, but there are different rules for those in power.”
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High Court Justice on bicycle, message on the road
Amidst this entire incident, Justice DD Bansal of Jabalpur High Court was discussed the most. He reached the High Court by cycling about 3 kilometers. He said that saving petrol and diesel is not just the job of the government but is the responsibility of every citizen. Justice Bansal clearly said that “It is wrong to think that High Court judges cannot travel by bicycle.” His initiative was highly appreciated on social media.
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Is this just a one-day demonstration or a permanent change?
BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal has expressed confidence that the impact of the Prime Minister’s appeal will be deep. However, the challenge is to control the supporters who come out on the streets with hundreds of vehicles to welcome the leaders. The government has now said that there will be a ban on rallies and demonstrations of strength.
Will VIP culture change?
This initiative of Madhya Pradesh government has become a topic of discussion across the country. On one hand the government is giving the message of simplicity and fuel savings, on the other hand large convoys of leaders and supporters are also raising questions. Now the focus will be on whether this campaign becomes just a symbolic exercise for a few days or it really puts a permanent break on the glittering VIP culture of power.