Yeddyurappa resorts to damage control mode; returns Toyota Prado to Nirani

Bengaluru, Apr 17: Being wary of critics, newly appointed BJP president B S Yeddyurappa (BSY) returned Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to former minister and sugar baron, Murugesh Nirani which he received as gift, thus pulling a break to this issue from snowballing into a major row.

The news of receiving gift of RS 1.15 crore worth luxury car Prado and availing the same to tour to drought-hit areas in Karnataka had hit the headlines forcing BSY to change the mode of traveling.

On Saturday, April 16, BSY informed the press that he would not use car to commute to parched districts, instead he would opt rail to move to districts located far away from Bengaluru. He also conveyed that he would return the car after completion of his tenure as BJP president.

"For touring the drought-hit districts, I will travel by train. I like to travel by train. Only for nearby districts, I'll use a car," he said. He is likely to head out on the tour on April 27, and may travel in a 1st AC coach to Bidar.

However, BSY on Sunday, April 17 issued a press note that said he has given back the car to Murugesh Nirani on April 16. The press release by the BJP president said. "From two days media have been debating about me using this car. This car belongs to a company of Murugesh Nirani. The car was given to me in view of safety and also in view of safety of other leaders traveling along with me across the state for the party to tour."

He further added in the note, "in my 40 years of political career, I have traveled in bus, train and other vehicles to all remote places of the state. I have no particular desire or choice for the mode of travel. In wake of attaching different meanings for using Nirani's car I have handed back the car to the company of Murugesh Nirani on April 16."

It has to be noted that BSY who has two major cases pending on him, has now immediately resorted to damage control mode avoiding a potential controversy. This step of BJP stalwart will put to rest criticism emanating from various quarters.

OneIndia News