Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrives at the Vidhan Bhavan in South Mumbai by motorcycle as part of a fuel-saving and austerity push linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to conserve fuel amid energy-related concerns. Multiple outlets report that Fadnavis rides to the Vidhan Bhavan and returns from there, with a video widely shared online showing his arrival from his residence, “Varsha.”
Reports also note that other state officials adopt similar measures on the day: Minister Nitesh Rane is said to walk to the Mantralaya, while BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar accompanies Fadnavis in one account. The move follows an announcement by the state government of several austerity steps intended to reduce fuel use and save foreign exchange, including cutting down ministerial convoy vehicles and cancelling foreign trips.
While the actions are presented as part of government cost-cutting, the Congress in Maharashtra criticizes the episode, describing it as a “photo op.” The outlets, however, broadly agree on the core details of Fadnavis’s motorcycle ride and the stated austerity context.
