A few days back, the internet was flooded with the claims that the Punjab Government has given the green signal to purchase new Land Cruiser cars. The claim surfaced on social media stated that the new Land Cruiser cars will be part of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's convoy. Furthermore, it was alleged that inducting new land cruisers in the convoy will cost INR 40 crore.
Not only this but it was claimed that the government is purchasing new Land Cruiser cars under security protocols. Under the security protocols, the cars in CM's convoy are replaced every 8 years. A picture collage was also shared on social media showcasing Land Cruiser cars. However, the land cruiser car's picture that have surfaced on social media is not new. The pictures of Land cruisers were shared on X in 2022 by a news portal.
The truth behind the Punjab government buying new Land Cruiser cars
As per a journalist named Gagandeep, the Punjab Government officials have denied reports of purchasing new Land Cruiser cars for the CM’s convoy, which would cost Rs 40 crore. The last purchase of Land Cruiser cars was made in 2016. In 2019, during Captain Amarinder Singh’s tenure, the Home Department attempted to replace the cars, but the Finance Department did not grant permission at that time. Now, the AAP government has also denied approval for replacing the cars, extending their usage to 9 years. The AAP government further stated that fake news is being circulated on social media.
As per a 2018 report, the Punjab Government approved 16 Land Cruisers, including two bulletproof, for the Chief Minister, 13 Mahindra Scorpios for his staff, 14 Maruti Dzire/Honda Amaze/Ertiga for the officers on special duty (OSDs) to the CM. The order was approved during the Captain Amarinder Singh rule.
The report further suggested that 17 ministers in the Capt Amarinder Singh cabinet were supposed to get Toyota Fortuner or Toyota Crysta, while 97 Toyota Crysta will be brought for legislators.
Not only this, but then CM Amarinder Singh was supposed to get a Land Cruiser instead of eight Ambassadors.