Days after taking over as Karnataka BJP unit President, BS Yeddyurappa waded into a controversy on Saturday over a Rs 1.15 crore swanky SUV given to him by a former minister and loyalist to tour the state. After massive outrage, the BJP leader has decided to travel the drought-hit part of the state by train, reports The New Indian Express.
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado provided by sugar baron Murugesh Nirani 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 raised about its propriety.
Initially, Yeddyurappa 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 round the state and for that there is a good vehicle for me. That is what he (Nirani) told me. That I am using. After two years when my period (as party chief) is over, he will take back the vehicle," he told reporters. Later according to The New Indian Express, Yeddyruappa said, " “I have decided to tour the drought-hit districts by train. I am not using the car gifted by Nirani. I only use it occasionally. Nirani can take back his car anytime".
The vehicle was being given considering that Yeddyurappa has to travel extensively as state BJP chief and his age is 73 years.
Meanwhile, BJP has announced that Yeddyurappa would be touring the drought-hit areas in the districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Raichur and Vijayapura from April 27 to May 1. Yeddyurappa, who was compelled to quit over graft charges in 2011, was recently appointed the state BJP president to revive the fortunes of the party, after he was cleared by the court in most of the corruption-related cases.
With PTI inputs
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