PM Modi Reduces Convoy Size Amid Fuel Crisis Debate After Dhruv Rathee’s Criticism

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly reduced the size of his official convoy amid rising global fuel concerns and growing calls for austerity measures linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis.The move has drawn major attention online after YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee criticised the Prime Minister over the large convoy size during a period when citizens were being urged to save petrol and diesel.According to reports, the reduced convoy arrangement was first observed during PM Modi’s recent visits to Gujarat and Assam and later during tours to Vadodara and Guwahati.Sources said the Prime Minister has also instructed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to increase the use of electric vehicles in his convoy while ensuring that no new vehicles are purchased for the purpose.The development comes shortly after PM Modi appealed to people across the country to reduce fuel consumption, adopt work-from-home practices wherever possible and avoid unnecessary foreign travel due to global energy uncertainty and rising crude oil prices.Officials stated that the Prime Minister has personally decided to follow the same fuel-saving and austerity measures he recommended to the public, resulting in a visible reduction in the number of vehicles accompanying his motorcade.Despite the downsizing, all SPG security protocols and mandatory protection arrangements remain fully intact, with only the number of convoy vehicles being reduced.The issue gained further traction after Dhruv Rathee questioned the necessity of large political convoys during a period of fuel conservation and economic caution, triggering widespread debate across social media platforms.The convoy reduction is now being viewed as a symbolic step towards fuel conservation and government expenditure control, with several political observers calling it a strong public message during the ongoing energy crisis.Meanwhile, Maharashtra ministers will now reportedly require prior approval from the Chief Minister’s Office before using government aircraft as governments begin tightening expenditure measures amid global economic uncertainty.