Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad on May 14 strongly criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after he travelled to Vidhan Bhavan on a motorcycle earlier in the day. Gaikwad alleged that the bike used by the Chief Minister carried an expired Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, raising questions over compliance with vehicle regulations. Fadnavis had travelled from his official residence, Varsha Bungalow at Malabar Hill, to Vidhan Bhavan in Nariman Point on a black Royal Enfield Classic motorcycle. Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar accompanied him as a pillion rider during the ride.
The motorcycle journey was reportedly undertaken to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation and environmentally conscious transport practices. However, Gaikwad shared screenshots and details of the motorcycle online, claiming that the vehicle’s PUC certificate had expired on January 10, 2025. She questioned whether transport and traffic authorities would initiate action if the allegations were found to be correct. In a post on X, Gaikwad sarcastically referred to the motorcycle as “expired maal” and asked whether the Regional Transport Office and Mumbai Traffic Police would respond to the issue involving the Chief Minister’s vehicle and its alleged expired pollution certification.
In another sharp remark, Gaikwad dismissed the motorcycle ride as merely a “photo opportunity” instead of a meaningful example of austerity and sustainable commuting. She argued that replacing a car convoy with a motorcycle convoy would have little impact on fuel savings. According to the Congress leader, the Chief Minister could have travelled by a BEST bus to genuinely encourage the use of public transport. She stated that taking a bus from Napeansea Road and walking a short distance to Vidhan Bhavan would have sent a stronger message to citizens regarding cost-cutting measures and eco-friendly travel practices rather than using a high-profile motorcycle ride for publicity.
Gaikwad also targeted the Maharashtra government over the current state of Mumbai’s public transport and pedestrian infrastructure. She alleged that the administration had failed to adequately support BEST bus services and had ignored concerns related to commuter safety. The Congress MP said ordinary residents continue to struggle with shrinking bus fleets, overcrowding, and unsafe travel conditions. Meanwhile, visuals of Fadnavis and Shelar riding into the Vidhan Bhavan premises wearing green helmets quickly circulated across social media platforms. The Chief Minister has repeatedly defended austerity measures and fuel-saving initiatives in recent months, citing global fuel price fluctuations and continuing economic challenges as major concerns.