MP textbook body chief served notice over 50-vehicle convoy
Saubhagya Singh Thakur was served a show-cause notice after travelling to Bhopal in a nearly 50-vehicle convoy to assume charge as Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation chairman. The action followed scrutiny over whether the display defied appeals on fuel conservation and official restraint.
A major impact of an India Today report has once again been seen in Madhya Pradesh, with newly appointed Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation chairperson Saubhagya Singh Thakur being served a show-cause notice and barred from all official activities until further orders.
The action comes after India Today highlighted how Thakur allegedly ignored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public appeal for fuel conservation by travelling from Ujjain to Bhopal with a convoy of nearly 50 vehicles to assume charge of his new post.
Following the controversy, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav had earlier issued directions discouraging rallies and public processions linked to assumption of office ceremonies. The matter has now escalated further, with strict restrictions imposed on Thakur for allegedly failing to follow appeals and directives issued in the national interest.
According to the order, Saubhagya Singh Thakur has been prohibited from entering the Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation office or premises until further instructions. He has also been barred from using any corporation facility, vehicle, staff or office resources.
The restrictions further state that he will not be allowed to participate in or chair any meeting related to the corporation. He has also been prohibited from taking part in any administrative or financial decisions or signing official documents until further orders.
The controversy erupted after visuals surfaced showing a long convoy of SUVs and supporter vehicles travelling from Ujjain to Bhopal with repeated halts and public welcome programmes along the route. The visuals drew sharp attention because they appeared just days after PM Modi urged citizens to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption amid tensions in West Asia and concerns over rising pressure on India’s economy.
Addressing a BJP rally in Telangana, PM Modi had appealed to people to minimise petrol and diesel usage, use public transport, adopt carpooling and increasingly shift towards electric vehicles. He had also encouraged virtual meetings and work-from-home practices to conserve resources.
The convoy episode triggered political reactions, with the Congress accusing the BJP of hypocrisy and questioning whether the Prime Minister’s appeal was being followed within his own party. The BJP, however, defended Modi’s remarks as a necessary appeal aimed at safeguarding India’s economic and energy security during global uncertainty.
A major impact of an India Today report has once again been seen in Madhya Pradesh, with newly appointed Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation chairperson Saubhagya Singh Thakur being served a show-cause notice and barred from all official activities until further orders.
The action comes after India Today highlighted how Thakur allegedly ignored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public appeal for fuel conservation by travelling from Ujjain to Bhopal with a convoy of nearly 50 vehicles to assume charge of his new post.
Following the controversy, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav had earlier issued directions discouraging rallies and public processions linked to assumption of office ceremonies. The matter has now escalated further, with strict restrictions imposed on Thakur for allegedly failing to follow appeals and directives issued in the national interest.
According to the order, Saubhagya Singh Thakur has been prohibited from entering the Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation office or premises until further instructions. He has also been barred from using any corporation facility, vehicle, staff or office resources.
The restrictions further state that he will not be allowed to participate in or chair any meeting related to the corporation. He has also been prohibited from taking part in any administrative or financial decisions or signing official documents until further orders.
The controversy erupted after visuals surfaced showing a long convoy of SUVs and supporter vehicles travelling from Ujjain to Bhopal with repeated halts and public welcome programmes along the route. The visuals drew sharp attention because they appeared just days after PM Modi urged citizens to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption amid tensions in West Asia and concerns over rising pressure on India’s economy.
Addressing a BJP rally in Telangana, PM Modi had appealed to people to minimise petrol and diesel usage, use public transport, adopt carpooling and increasingly shift towards electric vehicles. He had also encouraged virtual meetings and work-from-home practices to conserve resources.
The convoy episode triggered political reactions, with the Congress accusing the BJP of hypocrisy and questioning whether the Prime Minister’s appeal was being followed within his own party. The BJP, however, defended Modi’s remarks as a necessary appeal aimed at safeguarding India’s economic and energy security during global uncertainty.
