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Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Cuts Convoy to Just 5 Vehicles, Joins PM’s Fuel Saving Drive

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel significantly reduced his official convoy to just five vehicles during a visit to Rajula town, responding to PM Modi's call for fuel conservation. The move aims to promote austerity and move away from VVIP culture amid global fuel market tensions. Governor Acharya Devvrat also decided to avoid air travel and use public transport, while Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi cancelled a planned US trip. Similar measures have been announced in other BJP-ruled states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.

Key Points: Gujarat CM Trims Convoy in Fuel Saving Move

  • Gujarat CM uses only 5 vehicles in convoy
  • PM Modi urged fuel conservation amid global uncertainty
  • Governor Devvrat avoids air travel, uses public transport
  • Dy CM Harsh Sanghavi cancels US trip
  • Similar austerity measures in BJP-ruled states
2 min read

Giving up VVIP culture: Gujarat CM trims convoy in solidarity with PM's fuel saving measures

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel reduces convoy to 5 vehicles, backing PM Modi’s fuel conservation call. Governor, Dy CM also adopt austerity measures.

"The move was intended to set an example of simplicity and move away from 'VVIP culture' - Officials"

Amreli, May 13

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation and austerity amid global uncertainty and rising concerns over fuel imports, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday travelled with a significantly reduced convoy during his visit to Rajula town in Amreli district for the inauguration of the "Mahatma Gandhi Arogya Mandir".

According to government sources, CM Patel arrived at the event with a convoy of only five vehicles, in what officials described as an effort to promote fuel conservation and reduce unnecessary expenditure.

Officials said the Chief Minister had made a substantial reduction in his security and official convoy while travelling for the programme.

The move came days after PM Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport and adopt measures aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel markets.

Officials further said that CM Patel's decision was intended to set an example of simplicity and move away from "VVIP culture", while encouraging both officials and citizens to adopt fuel-saving practices.

Local residents and party workers present at the event reportedly welcomed the initiative.

The austerity measures are also being adopted by state officials.

On Tuesday, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat announced that he would avoid helicopter and air travel within the state until the fuel situation stabilises and would instead use trains, state transport buses and other public transport systems for official travel.

The Governor also directed that only the minimum number of vehicles be used in his convoy despite Z-plus security cover.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also cancelled a planned visit to the United States following the Prime Minister's appeal to reduce non-essential foreign travel.

Similar measures have been announced in several BJP-ruled states.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in official vehicle fleets, while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta have also announced steps to reduce the use of official vehicles and encourage public transport and carpooling.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I appreciate the sentiment but let's be real - this is just a photo op. The real VVIP culture is deeply entrenched. Cutting five cars from a convoy won't change the fact that we spend crores on security and perks for VIPs. What about reducing the massive budgets for these things? Still, small step is better than nothing 🙏
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Vikram M
Good gesture by CM Patel and Governor Devvrat. This is the kind of leadership we need - setting examples from the top. If every minister and officer reduces their fuel consumption by even 10%, it would save crores of rupees in foreign exchange. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Ananya R
While this is nice, I wish the same energy was applied to reducing subsidies for the rich and actually taxing the wealthy properly. VVIP culture isn't just about convoys - it's about first-class flights, free land, and government bungalows. Still, I'll take this as a positive start. Let's hope it's consistent and not just for the cameras.
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Siddharth J
This is what 'Swadeshi' and self-reliance looks like in practice. We import 85% of our oil, so every drop saved matters. Imagine if all state governments followed UP, MP, Gujarat and Delhi - the savings would be massive. Proud of this move! 🙌
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Meera T
I'm conflicted. On one hand, it's good symbolism. On the other, what about the massive fuel subsidies for industries and the rich? Or the fact that we still import oil from countries we criticize? Plus, the security aspect - a CM with

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