Long before the government adopted austerity measures following the West Asia conflict and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to save fuel, BJP MLA from Khumtai assembly constituency, Mrinal Saikia, had quietly made cycling a way of life. Saikia has been cycling since his childhood and encourages others to adopt it as a mode of transport for short distances, championing it as a practical, eco-friendly alternative that saves money, protects the environment, and keeps the body fit.
Since his first election to the assembly in 2016, Saikia has made it a daily affair to travel through the villages of his constituency on his bicycle, often in casual attire, to meet people. He stays in Guwahati only during assembly sessions or for urgent matters, mostly traveling by bus from his home in Khumtai to Guwahati, a distance of nearly 300 km.
Speaking to TOI, Saikia said, "I did not adopt bicycles as a mode of transport seeking publicity. Bicycles are an integral part of village life. We have been cycling since childhood. Even after becoming an MLA, I have not given up cycling." He emphasized that he constantly encourages others to use bicycles instead of motorcycles or cars for short-distance travel. "This not only saves your hard-earned money, but it also helps you contribute towards protecting the environment. Moreover, cycling keeps a person physically fit," he added.
Saikia also highlighted that volunteers of the "Green Warriors Khumtai" initiative, which has been planting trees across the Khumtai constituency under his leadership, also use bicycles for traveling. In a deliberate political message underscoring simplicity, accessibility, and grassroots connect, Saikia and his supporters first cycled 8 km from his home at Melamara to Salmara Tea Estate playground, and then walked about 12 km to submit his nomination papers for the recently-concluded assembly elections at the district commissioner's office on March 23.
