Oppn: BJP’s Drive For Saving Petrol A Stunt

Nagpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation has sparked a political confrontation in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, with the opposition questioning whether the ruling BJP will withdraw official vehicles allotted to committee chairpersons. The controversy comes after BJP office-bearers in the civic body began publicly promoting public transport use following Modi's appeal. However, despite the austerity messaging, official vehicles allotted to zonal and subject committee chairpersons continue to remain in use.Currently, official vehicles are authorised for posts such as mayor, deputy mayor, ruling party leader, opposition leader, Standing Committee chairperson and transport committee chairperson. This year, however, vehicles were also allotted to several subject committee chairpersons despite there being no specific provision for the same in the rules. Opposition leaders alleged the move has significantly increased the financial burden on the cash-strapped civic body, with lakhs being spent every month on fuel and vehicle operations. They further claimed that these vehicles are often used by family members of office-bearers as well. The issue gained attention after Standing Committee chairperson Shivani Dani Wakhare started travelling in Aapli Buses and e-rickshaws and shared videos of her public transport rides on social media. On Wednesday, mayor Neeta Thakre was seen carpooling with other office-bearers during inspections of under-construction civic projects. Leader of opposition Sanjay Mahakalkar termed the exercise "mere publicity and stuntbaazi." "If the ruling party is serious about saving fuel and public money, all newly allotted govt vehicles should immediately be returned," Mahakalkar said.Following the criticism, the civic administration has initiated discussions on fuel-saving measures. Mayor Thakre said an SOP is being prepared to rationalise vehicle use, encourage online meetings and promote joint travel by officers and office-bearers during inspections.Ruling party leader Narendra Borkar said suggestions are being sought from all office-bearers and a meeting has been called on May 15 to finalise guidelines on vehicle usage and austerity measures.