Divya Delhi: 
Narendra Modi has directed a 50 per cent reduction in the size of his official convoy as part of wider austerity and fuel-saving measures announced amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and rising global economic uncertainty. According to official sources, the Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, has been instructed to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy without compromising mandatory security protocols. Sources said the Prime Minister has also asked officials to increase the use of electric vehicles in the convoy and avoid purchasing new vehicles to minimise government expenditure. The reduced convoy arrangement was reportedly implemented during Modi’s recent visits to Gujarat and Assam. Earlier this week, Modi appealed to citizens to adopt fuel conservation measures in view of the prolonged West Asia conflict. His suggestions included increased use of public transport and metro services, limiting foreign travel to conserve foreign exchange, and avoiding gold purchases for a year. Several BJP leaders publicly supported the Prime Minister’s appeal. Rekha Gupta said Delhi government ministers and officials would minimise vehicle usage and promote carpooling and public transport. Meanwhile, the opposition Indian National Congress criticised BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh for arriving in large convoys after recent political appointments. State Congress president Jitu Patwari questioned whether BJP leaders were following the Prime Minister’s appeal on austerity and fuel conservation.
