Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jun 19: The state BJP government led by chief minister (CM) B S Yediyurappa has held back many projects related to development and is not releasing grants because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the purchase of 36 luxury cars for the use of guests at a cost of Rs 8.11 crore has surprised everyone. Out of the 36 vehicles, 35 are Innova Crysta while one car is of Volvo make. Officials do not have a clear answer for the question of the necessity of this expenditure at this difficult time of Covid pandemic.

Representational image

The state government officials say that these cars will be used for the transportation of guests who arrive to our state, union government officials, politicians and on special occasions. On an average the road price of Innova Crysta in the city varies from Rs 15.98 lac to Rs 24.32 lac. There are 16 classes. When the government bought 36 cars in bulk they should have got a huge discount. However, there are suspicions on the price at which these cars are bought.

There is opportunity to use the vehicles given to scheduled tribe people under the Airavata scheme of the Social Welfare department for the use of guests when they arrive for visit to the state. If this is done, it will give livelihood to the beneficiary of the state scheme also. In addition, the beneficiaries get new vehicles every year, so the guests can move around in new cars.

Social worker Marilingagowda Mali Patil says, “Commoners are facing hardship during the difficult time of the coronavirus pandemic while the government officials are buying luxury cars and emptying the state treasury. That too they have bought vehicles at prices higher than the market. CM Yediyurappa has to order an inquiry on this matter.”