Bhopal

The Indian National Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party after several newly appointed BJP leaders were seen arriving in large vehicle convoys despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

The controversy erupted after the Madhya Pradesh government announced a series of political appointments to state corporations and boards.

Saubhagya Singh Thakur, who was recently appointed chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation, arrived in Bhopal from Ujjain on Monday accompanied by supporters in a multi-vehicle convoy while assuming charge. Videos of the procession quickly circulated on social media.

Later, Thakur, along with his supporters, visited the residence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to express gratitude for his appointment.

In a similar development, Rakesh Singh Jadon, recently appointed vice chairman of the Khadi Village Industries Board, also reportedly arrived with a sizeable convoy from Vidisha.

Reacting sharply, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari said the prime minister should first ensure that his own party leaders practice the restraint he has advised to the public. He questioned the expenditure on fuel during political roadshows and alleged that chartered aircraft were being arranged for BJP leaders and chief ministers travelling to Assam for the swearing-in ceremony there.

Patwari also claimed that the conflict in West Asia has adversely affected India’s economy, pointing to the weakening of the rupee against the US dollar and holding the Union government responsible for the situation.

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Responding to the criticism, BJP state secretary Rajneesh Agarwal said the party was making sincere efforts to follow the prime minister’s appeal. He added that if any lapses had occurred, corrective steps were being taken, and party leaders had been instructed to adhere to Modi’s guidance on fuel conservation.