Tripura CM Manik Saha to cut convoy size after Modi's fuel-saving appeal
Synopsis
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has backed PM Modi's fuel-conservation drive by signalling a willingness to trim his own security convoy — pending police approval. With BJP-ruled states falling in line on spending cuts, the move reflects a coordinated national frugality push triggered by the West Asia crisis and India's mounting fuel import costs.
Key Takeaways
Tripura CM Manik Saha said on Wednesday he would discuss reducing his security convoy size with DGP Anurag .
Saha personally supports fewer vehicles but says the final call rests with police on security grounds.
PM Modi last week appealed for fuel conservation, including EV adoption, Metro use, and reduced foreign travel, amid the West Asia crisis .
Modi has reportedly sought inclusion of electric vehicles in his own official convoy.
Multiple state CMs and ministers have already announced spending cuts on security and foreign trips.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak visited Tripura Sundari Temple in Gomati district after attending the Assam swearing-in.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said he would discuss with Director General of Police Anurag the possibility of reducing the size of his security convoy, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reported appeal for fuel conservation and prudent public spending. Saha made the remarks at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala after returning from Guwahati, where he had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
What the Chief Minister Said
Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio in Tripura, expressed personal support for trimming the convoy, subject to security clearance.
Point of View
Timed against the West Asia crisis. What's missing from the conversation is any binding commitment or timeline. Symbolic gestures around convoys and carpooling are easy optics; the harder question is whether these announcements translate into measurable reductions in government fuel expenditure — something no state has yet put a number on.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tripura CM Manik Saha considering reducing his security convoy?
Manik Saha said he would discuss trimming his convoy following PM Narendra Modi's reported appeal for fuel conservation and prudent spending amid the West Asia crisis. He has personally supported using fewer vehicles but said the decision requires clearance from the state police chief.
What did PM Modi say about fuel saving?
During a visit to Hyderabad last week, PM Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel dependence by using Metro services, carpooling, switching to electric vehicles, cutting gold purchases, and choosing domestic travel over foreign trips. He has also reportedly asked for EVs to be added to his own official convoy.
Who attended the Assam swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati?
Tripura CM Manik Saha, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak were among the leaders who attended the oath-taking ceremony of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Tuesday.
What measures are other state governments taking in response to Modi's appeal?
Chief Ministers and ministers across several states have announced expenditure cuts including reduced security arrangements and fewer foreign trips. Union ministries are also set to adopt carpooling, Metro travel, and scaled-back official celebrations in the coming days.
Who is DGP Anurag and why does his input matter?
DGP Anurag is the Director General of Police for Tripura and the state's top police official. CM Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, said any decision on convoy reduction would only be taken after a formal discussion with Anurag to ensure security is not compromised.
