CM Fadnavis’ bike ride draws Opposition ire

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday (May 14, 2026) rode a motorbike to Vidhan Bhavan after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for austerity measures. The bike rally of the Chief Minister and his convoy drew the ire of the Opposition, which asked the Ministers to use public transport instead.

Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad also quizzed the Chief Minister over an alleged lack of PUC certification for the bike he used. The BJP hit out at the Congress, calling it a cheap publicity attempt, claiming that the digital certification was in place.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shifted to an EV vehicle and reduced his convoy size. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane walked from his bungalow to the State Secretariat. The Opposition called for the Ministers to do car pooling, instead of using individual cars.

Mr. Fadnavis also announced that the State Government will not hold any public programmes for the coming six months.

Meanwhile, NCP SP president Sharad Pawar questioned the Union Government for declaring austerity measures only after the elections. He also sought that the PM remain present for an all-party meeting. “The situation is serious today. The rupee is sliding. These decisions were taken by the government after the election results were announced. During the elections, this seriousness was not shown by the country’s leadership,” he said while speaking with reporters in Pune.

He also took a dig at the State Government ministers for the alleged austerity measures. “Since this morning, I have been seeing people; they are going to the office on motorcycles, and some are even walking. One person even publicly said that he is a minister and has reduced the number of cars he uses. I was shocked; earlier he had 17 cars, and now the number has been reduced to eight,” Mr. Pawar said

Chief Minister’s remarks on Rahul Gandhi incorrect, says Mr. Pawar

He called out several Ministers for their usage of language against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, adding that the Chief Minister’s reference to the national leader was incorrect. “Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of Opposition, that too in the Parliament. This is a constitutional position. Using such language against a person sitting in that position is wrong,” he said.