From 50-car convoy to two-wheeler optics; sudden evolution of VVIP austerity: Shiv Sena (UBT) in 'Saamana'

The Shiv Sena UBT on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJPled Central government over the ongoing fuel and economic crisis accusing it of promoting symbolic austerity measures while failing to address deeper financial and energyrelated concernsIn a strongly worded editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana the Uddhav Thackerayled faction described the administration as a ldquostayathome governmentrdquo and criticised recent appeals urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption limit travel and work from homeThe editorial alleged that selfserving policies pursued by the government had weakened major public sector oil and gas companies including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ONGC while questioning the governmentrsquos economic management during a period of rising fuel prices and energy uncertaintyIt also claimed that while staterun energy firms were under financial pressure the BJP and PM CARES Fund together held massive financial reserves suggesting those funds should be contributed to the national treasury as a demonstration of sacrifice and public serviceEditorial questions PM Modirsquos reduced security convoyThe editorial also took aim at what it described as ldquosudden austerity opticsrdquo surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modirsquos recent public appearancesReferring to the Prime Ministerrsquos appeal asking citizens to conserve fuel and avoid unnecessary travel the article highlighted the contrast between those appeals and PM Modirsquos ongoing foreign visits including his scheduled multination tourThe editorial specifically questioned the recent publicised visuals showing the Prime Minister travelling in Delhi with a significantly smaller security convoy consisting of only two escort vehiclesIt asked why large convoys involving dozens of vehicles had been considered necessary for years if a minimal security arrangement was now deemed sufficientThe Shiv Sena UBT claimed the move appeared aimed at creating a public image of austerity amid growing public concern over rising fuel prices and inflationDevendra Fadnavisrsquo motorcycle ride termed lsquotheatricalrsquoThe editorial also criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his recent decision to travel to the Vidhan Bhavan on a Bullet motorcycle as part of a fuelsaving initiativeAccording to the party the motorcycle ride was largely symbolic and ldquotheatricalrdquo in natureThe editorial noted that Fadnavis had urged people not to mock the Prime Ministerrsquos fuel conservation appeal and had attempted to demonstrate solidarity by replacing his regular motorcade with a twowheeler convoy accompanied by security personnel on motorcyclesHowever the article contrasted those gestures with what it described as recent examples of extravagance involving top state leadersIt pointed out that the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers had reportedly used separate chartered flights to attend swearingin ceremonies in other statesShiv Sena UBT raises concerns over ONGCrsquos financial positionThe Thackeray faction further alleged that ONGCrsquos financial position had weakened significantly under the current administrationAccording to the editorial the company had cash reserves of nearly Rs 13000 crore in 2014 but was now reportedly burdened with debt of around Rs 80000 croreThe article also claimed that domestic oil production levels had declined substantially over the years though it did not provide independent data to support the figures mentionedThe editorial argued that the weakening financial condition of staterun energy companies reflected broader policy failures in the energy sectorForeign policy criticism linked to fuel crisisThe editorial additionally criticised the Centrersquos foreign policy approach alleging that India had avoided purchasing cheaper Russian gas due to pressure from the United StatesAccording to the Shiv Sena UBT this had worsened the fuel crisis and contributed to higher energy costs for Indian consumersThe comments come at a time when fuel prices across the country have risen sharply following increases in global crude oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in West AsiaPolitical tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition parties in Maharashtra have also intensified in recent weeks over inflation fuel prices and the broader economic situationWith inputs from IANS