Madikeri, May 16 -- Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for austerity and fuel conservation amid growing global uncertainty, Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister's Legal Advisor AS Ponnanna has requested authorities to take back one of his escort vehicles provided for official security duty.

In an official statement, Ponnanna said the current unrest in the Middle East has triggered concerns over a possible global economic crisis and fuel shortage. Keeping this in mind, he stated that public representatives should contribute toward reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and promote responsible use of resources.

The Kodagu district police department currently provides Cabinet-rank security coverage to Ponnanna due to his officia...