New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s allocation of Rs 3.04 crore from the 2024-25 Capex Budget to purchase eight Toyota Fortuner SUVs for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s official use has ignited a firestorm of criticism.
The decision, formalised by an order from the Transport Department detailing the deployment of four vehicles in Delhi and two each in Jammu and Srinagar, has been met with widespread condemnation, particularly given the region’s ongoing economic challenges claimed by the politicians.
EIGHT new Toyota Fortuners for the Hon’ble Duke of Essex AND apparently a brand new personal Range Rover Defender.
The only thing missing in the fleet is a plane and a yacht over Dal Lake now.
J&K’s status was downgraded. Not of the Abdullah Monarchy.
Long live the King! pic.twitter.com/eLLul7jY0i
— Junaid Azim Mattu (@Junaid_Mattu) December 24, 2024
Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on X, sarcastically referring to Omar Abdullah as the “Hon’ble Duke of Essex” and highlighting the perceived extravagance of the purchase, including a reported addition of a personal Range Rover Defender. “EIGHT new Toyota Fortuners for the Hon’ble Duke of Essex AND apparently a brand new personal Range Rover Defender. The only thing missing in the fleet is a plane and a yacht over Dal Lake now. J&K’s status was downgraded. Not of the Abdullah Monarchy. Long live the King!” he wrote on X.
Also, the former deputy mayor of Srinagar, Sheikh Imran, echoed similar outrage criticising the government for prioritising luxury over essential public services. Imran drew a pointed comparison between the CM’s extravagant spending and the pragmatic approach of the Lieutenant Governor (LG), who reportedly continues to use existing vehicles and has grounded state plane services to save costs. “Welcome to the politics of J&K. On one side we have the LG who in a rare and commendable display of pragmatism, continues to use the old cavalcades of former CMs and has grounded state plane services recognizing that an erstwhile poor state—and now an even poorer UT—cannot afford such extravagance,” He wrote on X.
Welcome to the politics of J&K. On one side we have the LG who in a rare and commendable display of pragmatism, continues to use the old cavalcades of former CMs and has grounded state plane services recognizing that an erstwhile poor state—and now an even poorer UT—cannot afford… pic.twitter.com/Ni405pDeWU
— Sheikh Imran (@imrankehwah) December 24, 2024
Imran further highlighted the irony of the government’s recent promises of free rations and electricity, which are yet to materialise, contrasting these promises with the extravagant purchase of luxury vehicles. He sharply criticised the government’s prioritisation of luxury over pressing public needs, such as addressing the skyrocketing unemployment rates, soaring inflation, and dire conditions in local hospitals.
“On the other side we have the British-turned-Kashmiri CM who seems to be on a relentless loot fest of public funds, mistaking governance for a luxury spree. From Fortuners to indulgences galore, he’s setting new records in turning public resources into private perks all while when unemployment is skyrocketing, inflation is squeezing the Kashmiris like a lemon and hospitals are running on sheer prayers due to lack of basic facilities but the J&K Government has cracked the code to happiness—buy 8 shiny Toyota Fortuners for the CM-Bravo. Priorities truly on point,” Imran added further.
The government’s justification for the purchase includes using the vehicles for official use. coAccording to the order signed by Neeraj Kumar, Secretary, Government Transport Department, four of the vehicles will be 4×2 automatic transmission Toyota Fortuner SUVs,sting Rs 34 lakh each, while the remaining four, intended for use in Jammu and Kashmir, are 4×4 automatic transmission models, priced at Rs 42 lakh each.
The total cost of Rs 3.04 crore is above and beyond the already allocated bulletproof vehicles forming part of the Chief Minister’s security detail. “Why bother with pragmatism when extravagance can be the brand? But wait-this isn’t their first lap of luxury. First-it was 90 cars worth ₹20 crore for MLAs. Now, it’s Fortuner season for the CM. Because, obviously public servants need their rides as grand as their indifference to public suffering,” Imran wrote in a detailed X post.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a directive allocating funds specifically for the purchase of vehicles, emphasising strict financial accountability. The order mandates that the allocated funds be used solely for this purpose, with all expenditure certificates and relevant records required to be submitted by March 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, officials have clarified that no new driver positions will be created. Existing government staff will be responsible for managing and operating the newly acquired vehicles.
