A.P. TDP chief gives up Y-category security convoy after PM’s fuel appeal

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) State President and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao has voluntarily scaled down his official security cover and convoy protocol, citing the Centre’s call for austerity and fuel conservation amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to reduce fuel consumption, against the backdrop of the evolving situation in West Asia, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said public representatives must lead by example in demonstrating restraint and accountability.

As part of this decision, the MLA has declined the bullet-proof vehicle allotted to him under the Y-category security cover and returned it to the police department. He has also opted to trim the protection detail, saying a smaller deployment of personnel would suffice for official engagements.

Further, Mr. Srinivasa Rao has chosen to forego green-channel movement and extensive escort arrangements, preferring instead to tour the constituency in his personal vehicle in an effort to minimise inconvenience to the public and reduce avoidable government expenditure.

Addressing the media, he said the Chief Minister’s appeal invoking the spirit of Na Desam–Na Badhyata (”My Nation–My Responsibility”) had resonated deeply with him. “At a time when the nation is being called upon to exercise restraint and prioritise collective responsibility, every citizen, particularly those in public life, must consciously avoid extravagance and cultivate a culture of savings and discipline,” he said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao also announced that the TDP’s annual Mahanadu, traditionally held on a grand physical scale, would this year be conducted on digital and online platforms, with greater emphasis on technology-enabled participation and cost-effective management practices.