PM’s fuel-saving appeal ignored by MP leaders:9 political convoys rolled across state; only 2 leaders faced action despite outrage over rallies

On May 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to use diesel and petrol sparingly in view of global circumstances. He encouraged people to use metros, public transport, and adopt carpooling practices to conserve fuel. Following the appeal, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reduced five vehicles from his official convoy. Both Deputy Chief Ministers and several state ministers also reportedly downsized their convoys. However, despite the public appeal, several BJP leaders and state-appointed office bearers across Madhya Pradesh continued to organize large vehicle rallies and political roadshows. Images and videos from at least nine separate incidents surfaced from across the state, showing leaders travelling with long convoys of cars and supporters. The controversy escalated from Bhopal to Delhi, leading to action in two cases — one BJP leader lost his post, while another received a show-cause notice and had some powers withdrawn. Case 1: BJP farmers’ wing district president removed Sajjan Singh Yadav reached Bhind in horse carriage-led convoy On April 24, BJP Farmers’ Wing state president Jaipal Singh Chavda appointed Sajjan Singh Yadav as Bhind district president of the organization. On Wednesday, Yadav arrived in Bhind accompanied by nearly 100 vehicles. He was seen riding in a horse carriage while supporters followed in a large convoy. After the matter reached the state leadership, his appointment was cancelled. Chavda later said the decision was taken because Prime Minister Modi had appealed for fuel conservation and Yadav’s actions amounted to indiscipline. “We received information through newspapers and social media that Yadav travelled from Gwalior to the Bhind office with a convoy of vehicles. Since the Prime Minister has appealed for fuel conservation, this was inappropriate. Acting on the instructions of state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, his appointment has been revoked,” Chavda said. Case 2: Textbook Corporation chairman served notice Saubhagya Singh Thakur arrived with 700 vehicles On May 11, Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation chairman Saubhagya Singh Thakur reportedly travelled from Ujjain to Bhopal with a convoy of nearly 700 vehicles. The massive convoy caused traffic congestion for hours along the Ujjain-Bhopal route, with vehicles moving slowly. After media reports highlighted the incident, the Chief Minister’s Office issued him a show-cause notice on Thursday evening. Some of his administrative powers were also withdrawn pending explanation. Leaders against whom no major action was taken Pritam Singh Lodhi reached temple with 200 vehicles BJP MLA Pritam Singh Lodhi visited the Bagicha Sarkar temple in Karera on May 12 with a convoy of around 200 vehicles. He met members of the saint community amid an ongoing dispute related to the temple. Despite the large convoy, no action was taken against him. Tikendra Pratap Singh also led massive rally Newly appointed Dewas BJP Farmers’ Wing district president Tikendra Pratap Singh reached the party office in Dewas through a rally involving dozens of vehicles. He later admitted that nearly 200 vehicles had accompanied him, although many returned midway from Hatpipliya. Senior party leaders, district office-bearers, and MLAs participated in welcoming him. OBC Morcha chief travelled with two dozen vehicles BJP OBC Morcha state president Pawan Patidar toured the Chambal region with a convoy of around 24 vehicles. He was seen travelling in a Thar SUV while supporters escorted him through Gwalior. Singrauli Development Authority chairman’s rally draws criticism Newly appointed Singrauli Development Authority chairman Virendra Goyal travelled in an e-rickshaw on May 14, but more than 30 vehicles reportedly followed him. The Madhya Pradesh Congress shared videos of the rally on social media and accused BJP leaders of ignoring the Prime Minister’s appeal. Rekha Yadav’s luxury car convoy causes traffic jam Madhya Pradesh Women’s Commission chairperson Rekha Yadav reportedly moved through Chhatarpur with a convoy of luxury vehicles. The long line of vehicles caused traffic jams near the BJP office, inconveniencing commuters. Newly appointed chairmen opt for e-rickshaws, supporters follow in cars Madhya Pradesh Small Industries Corporation chairman Satyendra Bhushan Singh used an e-rickshaw while assuming office, but supporters accompanying him were seen travelling in cars and motorcycles. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board vice-chairman Rakesh Singh Jadaun also arrived at the BJP office in an e-rickshaw. Jadaun later said he had travelled with only three people and was unaware of how others had reached the venue. One minister sets a different example Minister Gautam Tetwal travels by bus In contrast, Madhya Pradesh Technical Education Minister Gautam Tetwal travelled by public bus on May 14 from Sarangpur to Pachore, nearly 30 kilometres away. He was visiting the family of Balram Gurjar, who recently died in a petrol pump fire incident. After getting off the bus in Pachore, Tetwal used an e-scooter to reach the victim’s residence in Ward No. 12. The minister met the bereaved family and announced financial assistance of ₹4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.