Assam BJP MLA Rajdeep Goala champions EVs to cut India's fuel import bill
Synopsis
An Assam BJP MLA turned up to the state Assembly in an electric vehicle and used it to make a pointed economic argument: India's dependence on petroleum imports is draining foreign exchange, and EVs are part of the fix. The move signals that the Centre's green mobility push is finding grassroots political champions beyond Delhi.
Key Takeaways
Assam BJP MLA Rajdeep Goala arrived at the Assam Legislative Assembly in an electric vehicle on 22 May 2025 .
Goala argued that reducing petroleum imports through EV adoption would protect India's foreign exchange reserves .
He said he had been using EVs before public appeals by PM Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on fuel conservation.
The EV belongs to his brother, Jaydeep Bala , and was also used during his recent election campaign.
Goala dismissed Cabinet induction speculation, saying his focus for the next five years is serving Udharbond constituency .
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Rajdeep Goala, representing the Udharbond Assembly constituency in Assam, has made a pointed case for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, arguing it is as much an economic imperative as an environmental one. Speaking to reporters at the Assam Legislative Assembly in Guwahati on Thursday, 22 May, Goala said reducing petroleum imports would directly protect India's foreign exchange reserves.
MLA Arrives at Assembly in an EV
Goala underscored his commitment by arriving at the state Assembly in an electric vehicle — the same one he reportedly used extensively during his recent election campaign. He noted the vehicle belongs to his brother, Jaydeep Bala, and said he had adopted EV usage well before public appeals on fuel conservation were made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
'This is not something new for me. I had already been using an electric vehicle earlier and even used it during election campaigning. Today also I came to the Assembly in the same vehicle,' Goala said.
The Economic Case for EVs
The Assam MLA pointed to India's substantial foreign exchange outflow on petroleum imports as the central reason for accelerating EV adoption. He argued that citizens and policymakers alike must factor in the broader global economic context when making energy choices.
'There is a global economic concern attached to petroleum imports. We need to understand the present global situation and act responsibly. If we can reduce fuel imports, it will help save foreign reserves and benefit the country's economy,' he said.
This comes amid a sustained push by the Assam state government to promote fuel conservation measures and build public awareness around sustainable transport, in line with the Centre's broader green mobility agenda.
Appeal to Citizens
Goala urged residents to contribute to sustainable practices within their individual means, framing EV adoption as a collective national responsibility rather than a personal lifestyle choice. The appeal aligns with a growing chorus of BJP legislators across states who have begun publicly endorsing clean energy transitions ahead of India's 2030 EV targets.
Cabinet Speculation Dismissed
When reporters raised questions about speculation over a possible induction into the Assam Cabinet, Goala was categorical. He said he was not part of any such race and remained focused solely on serving the people of Udharbond for the next five years.
'The people have blessed me with the responsibility to work for them. My priority for the next five years is to serve my constituency sincerely,' he said, adding that any future responsibility assigned by the party leadership would be discharged with 'dedication and discipline.'
Point of View
More tangible argument for a country that spends tens of billions of dollars annually on crude imports. That framing is politically smarter in a state where fuel prices are a kitchen-table issue. The Cabinet speculation subplot is also worth watching; such public displays of alignment with the party's national agenda often precede elevation. Whether the EV optics translate into policy pressure at the state level — procurement mandates, charging infrastructure — remains to be seen.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Assam BJP MLA Rajdeep Goala advocating for electric vehicles?
Goala argues that EV adoption is essential to reduce India's dependence on petroleum imports, which drain the country's foreign exchange reserves. He also cites environmental benefits and says he has personally been using an EV for some time, including during his recent election campaign.
Which constituency does Rajdeep Goala represent?
Rajdeep Goala is the BJP MLA from the Udharbond Assembly constituency in Assam.
Did PM Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also promote EV use?
Yes, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have publicly appealed for fuel conservation and greater adoption of sustainable transport. Goala noted he had already been using an EV before their appeals.
What did Goala say about joining the Assam Cabinet?
Goala dismissed speculation about a Cabinet berth, saying he is not part of any such race. He stated his priority for the next five years is to serve the people of his Udharbond constituency, while adding he would carry out any future party responsibility with dedication.
How does EV adoption help India's economy according to Goala?
According to Goala, India spends a significant amount of foreign exchange on importing petroleum products. Greater use of EVs would reduce that import burden, helping conserve foreign reserves and strengthening the broader economy.
