The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned Rs 3.04 crore from the 2024-25 Capex Budget to purchase eight Toyota Fortuner vehicles for the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s official use, an order from the Transport Department revealed.
The vehicles will be allocated across key locations, with four stationed in Delhi, two in Jammu, and two in Srinagar.
Reacting to the order, former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu took a swipe at National Conference leader Omar Abdullah in a post on X, criticising the government’s priorities.
“200 units of free power—No business rules, age relaxation for PSI—No powers. Rationalisation of reservations—Sub Committee, but shopping spree for king’s cavalcade—all powers available. Wow,” Mattu wrote.
The government order stated that funds must be used exclusively for the SUV purchase, with all expenditure certificates and raid accounts to be submitted by March 31, 2025. Officials assured that existing staff will manage the vehicles, and no new posts for drivers will be created.
The Transport Department has also been directed to ensure strict compliance to prevent misuse of funds.
In the recent Assembly elections, Omar Abdullah’s National Conference secured 42 seats, forming the largest bloc. Abdullah himself won two seats, Budgam and Ganderbal, while the BJP claimed 29 seats.
