Finally, good sensed prevailed!
Karnataka BJP President BS Yeddyurappa has returned his swanky SUV worth Rs 1 crore given to him by former industries minister Murugesh Nirani.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado provided by the sugar baron had stirred the hornet’s nest after reports that the seven-seater luxury vehicle would be used by Yeddyurappa to travel around the drought-hit parts, with questions being raised about its propriety.
But Yeddyurappa on Saturday sought to put a lid on the controversy, saying Nirani had given the SUV to him for party work and “after that, he will take back the car”.
I am going around the state and for that this is a good vehicle for me. That is what he (Nirani) told me. After two years when my period (as party chief) is over, he will take back the vehicle.BS Yeddyurappa told reporters
He also said he would not be using the vehicle in the districts during his visit to drought-affected areas.
“Don’t compare it (the cost of the vehicle) with drought,” Yeddyurappa said when asked whether it would be right to use a luxury vehicle to move around in areas reeling under drought.
Nirani has defended his gesture, saying the SUV was not a gift and Yeddyurappa could use it as long as he wants.
The vehicle was given considering that Yeddyurappa has to travel extensively as state BJP chief and his age is 73 years.
He also said the SUV is in the name of his company and he had purchased it through a loan.
Meanwhile, BJP has announced that Yeddyurappa would be touring the drought-hit areas in the districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Vijayapura from 27 April 27 to 1 May.
The controversy comes close on the heels of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah landing in a row over a gifted Rs 70 lakh diamond-studded Hublot watch that he wore before he handed it over to the state in the wake of a political storm over it.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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