BJP Leaders Face Heat Over Massive Convoys in MP

• BJP leaders seen travelling with huge convoys in Madhya Pradesh
• Convoys triggered traffic jams in Bhopal and other districts
• PM Modi had urged citizens to cut fuel consumption
• BJP leaders defend party’s commitment to austerity measures

GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 12th May: Several BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh have come under scrutiny after travelling with massive vehicle convoys despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urging citizens to adopt austerity measures amid global uncertainty linked to the Israel-Iran conflict.

The Prime Minister had appealed to people to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, avoid non-essential foreign travel, postpone gold purchases and use public transport or carpooling to reduce pressure on the economy.

However, political processions involving hundreds of vehicles by BJP leaders in Madhya Pradesh have triggered criticism and sparked debate over the contrast between public messaging and political conduct.

Massive Convoys Trigger Traffic Disruptions
One of the biggest controversies erupted after newly appointed Textbook Corporation Chairman Saubhagya Singh Thakur reportedly arrived in Bhopal from Ujjain with a convoy of more than 200 vehicles.

The convoy caused major traffic congestion across highways and key roads in Bhopal, leaving commuters stranded in extreme heat.

Traffic disruptions were reported near the BJP state office, DB Mall, Board Office Square and Arera Hills.

Similar incidents were also reported from Shivpuri, where Pritam Singh Lodhi allegedly travelled with another 200-vehicle convoy during a visit related to a temple dispute.

In Khandwa, Minister-in-charge Dharmendra Lodhi also arrived at a district review meeting accompanied by a large fleet of vehicles and sirens.

BJP Leaders Admit Contradiction
Dharmendra Lodhi later admitted there was “no justification” for such large convoys.

“The Prime Minister’s appeal must be adhered to. Currently, there are many vehicles in my entourage; however, there is no justification for driving such a large number of vehicles together,” he said.

BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal defended the party’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s call for austerity.

“The Prime Minister’s appeal is bound to have an impact. We appeal to all party workers and citizens to reduce their consumption of petrol and diesel,” he said.

He added that some BJP leaders had tried to promote alternative transport modes.

Symbolic E-Rickshaw, E-Scooter Appearances
In Bhopal, Small Industries Corporation Chairman Satyendra Bhushan Singh arrived at an event in an e-rickshaw, while Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar used an e-scooter.

However, critics pointed out that supporters accompanying such appearances often arrived in large private vehicle formations, undermining the intended message of austerity.

The issue has intensified political debate in the state over whether leaders are following the same economic restraint being urged upon ordinary citizens.