New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday criticised Opposition party leaders for giving a political twist to calls for fuel-saving and for labelling her government’s austerity measures a “proof of failure”.

Responding to criticism from the Opposition over a reduction in official convoys, the Chief Minister said the decision was taken after Opposition parties earlier demanded that the government should not ask citizens to reduce fuel consumption without implementing such measures on its own.

“We have done exactly that today. But will Opposition leaders now have the courage to step out on the roads after giving up their attachment to luxury?” she asked.

Accusing the Opposition of adopting double standards, CM Gupta said their remarks describing such measures as “proof of failure” were politically motivated.

She said visionary leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi alert the public against emerging and future challenges, while opportunistic politicians thrive on creating fear and confusion.

“Saving petrol and promoting the use of indigenous resources is a matter of national policy, not politics,” she said.

The Chief Minister added that while the Opposition limits itself to criticism, nation-building requires sacrifice and accountability. “We have chosen green mobility over VIP culture. It is our responsibility towards future generations,” she said.

Gupta on Thursday backed PM Modi’s ‘Nation First’ appeal to citizens by launching a major initiative focused on fuel conservation, green mobility and responsible civic behaviour.

As part of the move, the Chief Minister decided to limit her official convoy and prioritise the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and public transport.

Leading by example, the Chief Minister travelled to the 14th convocation ceremony of Dr B. R. Ambedkar University with minimal security arrangements and in an electric vehicle.

The move sent out a strong message not only on environmental protection, but also on building a more responsible and sensitive administrative culture beyond conventional VIP practices, said a statement.

The Chief Minister said her convoy would now largely be restricted to four vehicles. Along with reducing the number of vehicles in her own fleet, she also directed ministers and government officials to give preference to Metro services, buses and electric vehicles for official duties.

She appealed to ministers, MLAs, officials, and citizens to adopt public transport, carpooling, and EVs wherever possible.

“Nation-building is not driven only by big decisions. It also depends on small but responsible efforts made by every citizen,” she said.

She added that even modest savings in fuel, electricity, and other resources could collectively have a positive impact on the country’s economy and the environment.

Earlier, to turn PM Modi Ji’s ‘Nation First’ call into a mass movement, the CM launched a ‘Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan’ campaign to save fuel.

She also announced the Delhi government’s major steps to promote fuel conservation, public transport, made-in-India products and responsible Living: CM Rekha Gupta

The Delhi government also announced two days of work from home each week, except for essential services, and decided to reduce the fuel consumption of vehicles used in government offices, said a statement.

She said every Monday shall be observed as ‘Metro Monday’ with government employees and ministers trying to use public transport.

Delhi Ministers and officials will avoid official foreign tours for one year, and large government events will also be curtailed, the statement said.

She said that special route plans for 58 feeder buses have been prepared to connect 29 government colonies with Metro stations.

Gupta said every citizen has an opportunity to serve the nation by saving fuel and using public transport, as small efforts will become India’s greatest strength.

–IANS

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