Bengaluru, DHNS: BJP?state president B?S?Yeddyurappa, who calls himself a farmers’ leader, now has a swanky new high-end Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to travel around.

He would be hitting village roads in the drought-hit districts in the luxury vehicle when he begins his tour on April 25.

The Rs 1.15-crore SUV?(on-road price after road tax and insurance in Bengaluru) has been provided to Yeddyurappa by former minister Murugesh Nirani for his travel needs.
The vehicle was purchased in Bengaluru in January and registered in the name of Nirani Sugar Limited owned by Murugesh Nirani.

The seven-seater Prado comes with five-speed automatic transmission with three-zone climate control, among other features, and has been registered at the Regional Transport Office (Bengaluru West).

As per his assets and liabilities declared, along with the nomination papers for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Yeddyurappa does not own any vehicle.

“Yeddyurappa is 73 years old. He will be travelling extensively, discharging his responsibilities as the state party president. I decided to provide the vehicle to ensure there is comfort and safety during his travel,” Nirani said.

However, Nirani said the SUV?was not a gift, but Yeddyurappa could use it as long as he wants. He said he had provided the SUV to Yeddyurappa in January itself, but now it would be used extensively because of his new position.

Yeddyurappa, in an interaction with reporters, said the SUV had been given to him by Nirani to ensure his safe travel in the drought-hit districts.

Sources said the registration number of the car (KA 03 MY 4545) had been procured after consulting numerologists.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is now on a tour of the drought-hit districts, uses a Toyota Fortuner (on-road price Rs 31.65 lakh) for his travel requirements.

However, he usually uses chartered helicopter services to travel across the districts, the bill for which is footed by the state government.

Photo credit: DHNS