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Punjab Governor Invokes Shastri’s Fast Appeal Amid West Asia Crisis, Urges Unity

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria invoked India’s unity during the 1965 food crisis, citing Lal Bahadur Shastri’s appeal for a nationwide fast. He urged collective action for national self-respect amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has downsized his convoy by over half, following PM Modi’s fuel conservation appeal. Other leaders, including Andhra CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, have also significantly reduced vehicle use to save fuel.

Key Points: Punjab Governor Cites 1965 Crisis Amid West Asia Tensions

  • Punjab Governor cites 1965 food shortage, Shastri’s fast appeal
  • Leaders downsize convoys to conserve fuel amid West Asia crisis
  • Rajnath Singh, Naidu, Saini cut vehicle use
  • Haryana CM to work without vehicles one day a week
2 min read

'We all unite, fight for India's self-respect': Punjab Governor cites 1965 food shortage, Shastri's fast appeal amid West Asia crisis

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria invokes Lal Bahadur Shastri’s 1965 fast appeal, urges unity and fuel conservation as leaders downsize convoys.

"In times of crisis, we all unite and fight for the self-respect of the country. - Gulab Chand Kataria"

Raipur, May 14

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria arrived at Raipur airport on Thursday to attend a Jain community event in the city.

Speaking to reporters, Kataria said he was in Chhattisgarh for a religious function. "Today, there is an event here at a temple of the Jain community and Dadabadi. Right in front of it, donors are building houses for 250 people... I will attend the program today," he told reporters.

Commenting on the ongoing West Asia crisis, the Governor invoked India's history of unity during national emergencies.

"The crisis that is going on all over the world... It is the greatness of India that in 1965, there was a food shortage... On an appeal from Lal Bahadur Shastri, all the people of the country started a fast on Monday," Kataria said.

"In times of crisis, we all unite and fight for the self-respect of the country," he added.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has decided to downsize his convoy to less than half its original size, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve fuel amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Alongside the Defence Minister, several Ministers have moved to significantly downsize their security convoys to conserve fuel.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered an immediate 50 per cent reduction in the number of vehicles in his convoy during district tours.

During a review meeting with the Director General of Police (DGP) and senior Intelligence officials, the CM directed that the restraint take effect immediately. He further instructed ministers, public representatives, and VIPs to minimise the use of official vehicles, emphasising that these savings measures are essential to navigate current fiscal pressures.

Similarly, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has decided to restrict his fleet to the bare minimum required for security.

"Until the next order, only essential security vehicles will be included in my cavalcade. I have also resolved to work without any vehicles for one day a week," CM Saini stated.

The Chief Minister directed all state ministers and departmental officers to limit vehicle use and urged MLAs to conduct maximum meetings via virtual mediums, travelling only when necessary. He also appealed to the citizens of Haryana to utilise public transport as much as possible to contribute to the national fuel-saving campaign.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Nisha Z
Finally, some sensible action from our VIPs! Cutting down convoys is long overdue. In Bengaluru, we see massive traffic jams caused by these long cavalcades of ministers. But why stop at fuel? Why not enforce austerity in all areas, like reducing unnecessary foreign trips and lavish government events? 🙏
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Aryan P
Good message from the Governor. But let's be honest, the common man has been feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices for months. It's nice that leaders are now cutting down their own vehicles, but we need broader relief on petrol/diesel prices. The crisis in West Asia shouldn't be an excuse to keep taxes high at home.
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Kavitha C
This reminded me of my grandfather's stories about the 1965 famine relief efforts. He said everyone, from rich to poor, skipped one meal every Monday for months. That kind of collective sacrifice built this nation. If our leaders genuinely lead by example today, people will follow. Hope this isn't just a photo-op. 🙏🇮🇳
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James A
As someone who works in international trade, the West Asia crisis is indeed worrying for oil prices. But I'm glad to see Indian leadership taking proactive steps instead of just complaining. The convoys reduction is a small but symbolic move. If all states implement this seriously, it could set a good example for the world.
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Priya S
Respect to CM Saini for deciding to work one day without vehicles. But what about the thousands of government cars used by babus for personal errands? Corruption in fuel allowances is rampant. Real change will happen when the entire

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