Mysore/Mysuru: Amid a nationwide push for fuel conservation and austerity measures advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the West Asia conflict and fuel shortage concerns, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s inspection spree in Mysuru city this morning raised eyebrows over the sheer size of his motorcade, which exceeded 30 to 35 vehicles.

The Chief Minister was in the city to inspect several major infrastructure projects, including the ongoing underground cabling works replacing 11 kV overhead power lines along the Outer Ring Road at Srirampura. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 588.24 crore.

The inspection tour began at Aravinda Nagar, where Siddaramaiah reviewed the underground cabling work on Shiva Temple Road. He later visited Manandavadi Road to inspect the ongoing white-topping works.

Siddarmaiah also reviewed the construction of new buildings at Maharani’s College, expansion works at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research and the progress of the Sub-Urban Bus Stand project at Bannimantap.

However, the size of the Chief Minister’s convoy became a talking point during the visit. According to eyewitnesses, more than 30 to 35 vehicles accompanied the CM’s tour across the city.

Vehicles of all top officials

The convoy reportedly included official vehicles carrying senior Police officers, including the City Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Police, besides the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner, Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner, officials of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) and the Public Works Department (PWD).

Vehicles carrying other Ministers from Mysuru, such as Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa and K. Venkatesh, MLAs, chairpersons of Boards and Corporations, Congress leaders and supporters also joined the convoy. Apart from the official CM’s security fleet from Bengaluru that moved ahead of the CM’s vehicle, several vehicles belonging to party workers and aspirants for political posts followed his motorcade.

Commuters pointed to the contrast between the CM’s large convoy and PM Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation and reduction in Government expenditure.

While officials maintained that the convoy size was dictated by security protocols and the presence of multiple departments for spot inspections and decision-making, critics questioned the need for such a large fleet at a time when austerity measures are being discussed nationally.

Temporary measure: CM

Responding to PM Modi’s call on fuel conservation and reduction of VIP convoys, Siddaramaiah said that it was only a temporary measure.

“To save diesel and petrol, the Prime Minister has reduced security cover and has called for austerity. But this is only a temporary solution. I will observe whether other States are following these austere practices. This is not a permanent remedy. The Central Government must hold discussions with other countries to resolve the oil issue and PM Modi must show genuine interest in the matter,” he told reporters.