Deputy mayor wants new MUV minutes after election

BENGALURU: The city’s new deputy mayor is 52-year-old B Bhadre Gowda (JDS), whose demand after getting elected was a new multi-utlility vehicle. Barely minutes after he was elected unopposed on Wednesday, Gowda requested the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to replace his official car stating that it was “too old”. He has sought a new, top-end Toyota Innova Crysta.

Gowda, who represents Nagpura ward (No. 67) in Mahalakshmi Layout assembly constituency, is a first-time corporator. The election follows the death of incumbent Ramilla Umashankar two months ago.



Interestingly, most netas elected to top posts seek new cars. BBMP officials were stumped by Gowda’s request as chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has been preaching austerity measures and mayor Gangambike Mallikarjuna had shot down a proposal to procure a Mercedes Benz car. The mayor uses an MUV purchased in 2016.

Gowda justified his request: “Why should the deputy mayor move in an old and rickety car? Wouldn’t it be an insult to the post if the official car breaks down in the middle of the road? I requested for a new MUV as looks comfortable.”

Gowda said the existing deputy mayor’s Innova (KA01 MJ0824) was purchased in June 2012 and the car had logged 6 lakh km. The car has fitness validity till 2027 and the insurance was last updated in June 2013.

A BBMP driver said: “If the car is in good condition, it can be used for a longer time. But elected representatives like mayor, deputy mayor and standing committee chairmen do not use cars for more than two years. BBMP’s jurisdiction is vast and some elected representatives travel around 200km per day. The car should be in good shape so that they can travel without any hassles.”

A BBMP official said: “We are yet to get the request in writing. The order for a new car will be placed after BBMP commissioner gives the green signal.” Commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad said he’s not aware of the demand.