Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan has been allotted a Jaguar XE as her official car by Lok Sabha secretariat. The whopping 48 Lakh rupee car has been allotted to Lok Sabha speaker for ‘security reasons’.
Moreover, D Bhalla, the Secretary in the Lok Sabha Secretariat, said that Jaguar XE was the “most affordable option” car among the four-five options suggested keeping in mind the security concerns for the Speaker.
Congress spokesperson Manish Tewary raised questions over the purchase asking if it was ‘prudent’ for the speaker to buy such a lavish vehicle at a time when country is facing an acute farming crisis.
“This is not an overnight purchase. It is a decision of the LS secretariat after advice by the security. All information is available on our files. It is a transparent decision,” Bhalla said.
According to Indian Constitution, Lok Sabha Speaker enjoys privileges at par to the Chief Justice of India and the post is sixth in hierarchy after President, Vice President, Prime Minister, governors, former presidents and Deputy Prime Minister.