Austerity in motion: Sikkim CM picks train to attend Himanta oath ceremony

Guwahati: If Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday showcased the BJP-led NDA’s political strength, the travel choices of leaders attending the event told another story amid PM Narendra Modi’s call for austerity.One name that stands out is Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang, who set the tone by arriving in Guwahati aboard the Vande Bharat Express, a move that resonated with Modi’s emphasis on frugality and public transport, according to the details provided by Assam Police.Some of the union ministers, including finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also chose modest commercial flights. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared a special aircraft, reflecting both practicality and cost-consciousness.In sharp contrast, several other CMs and deputy CMs opted for special chartered flights.Among the state leaders, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi also travelled by the state aircraft along with his two deputy chief ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida.A source said the LGBI airport received at least 20 chartered flights carrying dignitaries attending the chief minister’s swearing-in function.