Mumbai unites to follow

Mumbai: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide ‘austerity’ drive gathers steam, Maharashtra appears to have embraced the campaign with a blend of seriousness, symbolism and political theatrics.

With fuel conservation offering a windfall of photo opportunities, protest pageantry, bouts of comedy, the people and politicians took up the frugality challenge with gusto – on motorcycles and electric cars to white horses or horse-carriages and bullock-carts, or plain footing it out in the blistering summer heat.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma set the tone by writing to the state government seeking a review of his security arrangements, including a reduction in the number of escort vehicles in his convoy and a scaling down of related security deployment.

EV Ride

Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde switched to an electric vehicle for his south Mumbai commute. Sena insiders indicated that more party ministers and legislators are likely to adopt EVs, as competition sharpens between the polluters and carbon friendly options.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, boarded a private bus to conserve fuel while inspecting the Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli Maharaj Palkhi route. Congress state Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe-Patil claimed that there were around 2-3 dozen convy vehicles trailing Gadkari’s bus. Nevertheless, the videos of the bus transporting Gadkari was enough for bureaucrats to scramble for convenient bus schedules.

Sharad Pawar Supports

While appealing to the masses to cooperate with the Centre’s frugality drive, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar gently mocked the sudden enthusiasm for austerity.

“For the past four years, I have had only three vehicles in my convoy. But implementing such measures for a day or two will not significantly impact fuel reserves,” Pawar observed with a giggle, underlining the need for sustained long-term policies instead of symbolic gestures.

He also took a veiled swipe at the BJP, wondering why such austerity measures were delayed and announced only after the recently concluded Assembly elections in 4 states. He  reiterated his demand to the PM to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the state of the country's economy.

Meanwhile, the opposition ensured that the austerity drive did not become dull. NCP (SP) General Secretary Dr. Jitendra Awhad stole attention a couple of days ago when he led a protest mounted on a white horse - apparently sourced from a wedding contractor.

Trailing behind him were party workers in horse-carriages and bullock-carts, shouting slogans against the government and accusing rulers of making ordinary citizens pay for policy failures.

In another symbolic sacrifice, several Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators led by Ambadas Danve abandoned their SUVs and luxury sedans, choosing to walk from Churchgate and nearby locations to the legislature complex in south Mumbai.

However, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray frowned at the antics of politicians jostling to showcase their frugalities and urged for serious yet practical measures.

On its part, the state government issued directives for Work From Home wherever feasible, advised District Collectors to conduct video conferences to reduce official travel, while departments directed to rationalise or reduce vehicle usage.

Mumbaikars too accept ‘austerity’

Beyond the political arena, ordinary Mumbaikars also struggled to adapt in their own practical ways. In places like Borivali, Kandivali, Khar, Jogeshwari, Dadar, Ghatkopar, Mulund and Sion, many office-goers opted for bicycles, two-wheelers or public transport for short commutes.

 

Hoping to blend environmental concerns, physical fitness and frugality, many citizens were seen walking to neighbourhood gardens, parks or even to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and beaches on foot or on bicycles.

 

The actual impact of the austerity drives – by way of a decline in road traffic or reduction in demand and consumption for fossil fuels – may be available only in the coming weeks.