Chief minister Hemant Soren’s brand-new BMW sedan marks the end of the journey for the nearly-a-decade-old Toyota Camry, which was used as the official vehicle of three Jharkhand chief ministers, including Arjun Munda and Raghubar Das.
The specification-loaded BMW 520d, from the global car manufacturer's luxury line series, is worth over Rs 60 lakh, and will now be used as the official vehicle of the chief minister. The Toyota Camry, which it replaces, was also a premium sedan worth around Rs 40 lakh. It was bought in 2012 when a BJP-led coalition government was in power in the state.
The brand-new bluestone metallic BMW grabbed eyeballs when Hemant took it for a spin on August 15. The 1995cc machine is matched to power of 187.74 bhp at 4000rpm and it can notch a top speed of 235 kmph.
The car has airbags for all passengers, sunroof, automatic transmission and five driving modes. Besides, it can achieve a speed of 0 to 100 kmph in only 8.1 second. The eight-speed gearbox matched to the four cylinder diesel engine is expected to provide a comfortable ride for the CM and his kin, sources from the chief minister's office said.
“The BMW was registered in Jharkhand on August 14. It has been registered with a VIP number, JH01-DZ-3333,” said a close aide of the CM.
While the car has received attention for its features and looks, the Opposition has termed the purchase untimely and extravagant. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) legislator-turned BJP leader Kunal Sarangi said that riding a BMW car should not be prioritised at a time when welfare schemes were being halted due to financial crunch.
In response to BJP's jibes, JMM leaders clarified that the Toyota Camry, which was being used by the CM so far, was found to be unsafe during inspection. “The new car was purchased to ensure safety of the CM,” said JMM spokesperson Vinod Pandey.
The JMM, in retaliation, has raised questions on the alleged purchase of six Mitsubishi Pajero SUVs during the former Raghubar Das-led government.
After taking charge as the chief minister, Hemant had said that state's coffers were empty, and the government was thinking of ways to generate revenue. He had accused former CM Raghubar Das of spending too much money on “show business”.
