Manoj Tiwari travels by auto in BJP's public transport push after Modi appeal
Synopsis
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari took an auto-rickshaw to a public event on 27 May, posting about it on X as a direct response to PM Modi's fuel-saving appeal. The gesture is part of a coordinated BJP push — from Delhi to Rajasthan — where chief ministers are curbing convoy use and riding the Metro. It is as much a political signal as an environmental one.
Key Takeaways
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari travelled by auto-rickshaw on 27 May in response to PM Modi's appeal to cut fuel consumption.
Tiwari posted about the commute on X , citing the Prime Minister's call directly.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has restricted official vehicle use for ministers and MLAs, and took a Delhi Metro ride as part of the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' campaign.
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma has directed officials and representatives to minimise convoy usage statewide.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood also used the Metro, encouraging eco-friendly commuting.
PM Modi first reiterated the fuel-saving appeal on 11 May , linking it to West Asia crisis-driven supply chain pressures.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Wednesday, 27 May took an auto-rickshaw to a public event in New Delhi, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to citizens and leaders to reduce fuel consumption and shift towards sustainable modes of transport. Tiwari's gesture is part of a broader, visible campaign by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to publicly endorse the Prime Minister's call for energy efficiency.
Tiwari's Post and the PM's Appeal
Tiwari shared his commute on social media platform X, writing: 'Responding to the call of the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, I arrived to participate in the programme of travelling by public transport auto.' This follows a similar instance earlier in the month when Tiwari had taken the Delhi Metro, interacting with fellow commuters and highlighting the relative comfort of public transit.
On 11 May, PM Modi reiterated his call for reduced fuel consumption, broader adoption of public transport and electric vehicles, and also urged citizens to defer gold purchases amid global economic uncertainties linked to the West Asia crisis, which has disrupted supply chains and fuel markets.
BJP Leaders Across States Follow Suit
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced restrictions on the use of official vehicles by ministers, MLAs, and other public representatives, while urging residents of the national capital to adopt carpooling and increase public transport use. She also participated in the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' campaign by taking a Delhi Metro ride, interacting with passengers and promoting sustainable commuting.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has directed that convoy usage be minimised across the state, instructing officials and public representatives to follow similar cost-saving and environmentally conscious practices.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood was also seen using the Metro, engaging with passengers and encouraging citizens to adopt eco-friendly transport options.
Modi Leads by Example
The Prime Minister has reportedly significantly reduced the size of his own convoy as a visible signal of the initiative. The move is framed both as a fiscal discipline measure and an environmental one, encouraging a culture of efficiency among elected representatives and the public alike.
Broader Context and What It Signals
This comes amid rising concerns over fuel costs and the environmental footprint of official motorcades, which have long been a symbol of political privilege in India. The coordinated messaging across BJP-governed states suggests a centrally coordinated communication strategy rather than isolated individual gestures. Notably, the campaign links personal austerity with national economic concerns — fuel import bills and supply chain pressures tied to the ongoing West Asia crisis. Whether the optics translate into sustained policy shifts in public transport investment remains to be seen.
Point of View
Which remains chronically underfunded in most BJP-governed states. India's urban public transport share has barely moved despite years of rhetoric. If the campaign ends at the photo-op stage, it risks reinforcing precisely the cynicism it is trying to counter.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Manoj Tiwari travel by auto on 27 May?
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari took an auto-rickshaw to a public event on 27 May in direct response to PM Narendra Modi's appeal to reduce fuel consumption and adopt sustainable transport. He posted about the commute on X, attributing the gesture to the Prime Minister's call.
What is PM Modi's fuel-saving campaign about?
PM Modi has appealed to citizens and leaders to cut fuel consumption, use public transport and electric vehicles more widely, and spend more judiciously. On 11 May, he reiterated this call and also urged citizens to defer gold purchases, linking both to economic pressures from the West Asia crisis.
Which other BJP leaders have joined the public transport initiative?
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta restricted official vehicle use for ministers and MLAs and took a Delhi Metro ride as part of the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' campaign. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed convoy minimisation statewide. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood also used the Metro publicly.
Has PM Modi himself changed his travel practices?
According to reports, PM Modi has significantly reduced the size of his own convoy as part of the broader fuel-saving initiative, setting an example for other leaders and officials to follow.
What is the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' campaign?
'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' is a campaign under which BJP leaders, including Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, have been publicly using public transport such as the Delhi Metro to promote sustainable commuting and citizen participation in national development efforts.
