Mumbai:
For some elected leaders of Mumbai’s civic body, Scorpios bought for over Rs 20 lakh each just a few months ago have become a pain in their backs, literally.
Sources said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now proposed buying Innova Crystas, which have a starting price of over Rs 23 lakh each, because the earlier SUVs were “too jerky” and were causing back pain.
The decision has been criticised by many, including one of its beneficiaries, leader of the opposition and former mayor Kishori Pednekar of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), who has said the civic body is being “looted” to indulge the “whims and fancies” of a few. Mayor Ritu Tawde has, however, countered that she suffers from back pain too and the contract allows for the vehicles to be changed.
A source said while Mayor Tawde, who is from the BJP, and BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide already use Innovas, 13 Scorpio Ns were purchased at a cost of over Rs 2 crore in February for other leaders and officials, including the deputy mayor and the leader of the opposition. Less than six months later, a proposal has been floated to purchase six Innovas for the deputy mayor, BMC House group leader, leader of the opposition, health committee chairman, education committee chairman and standing committee chairman.
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