SUVs power city leaders

Shiv Sena MLA Chandrakant Mokate’s Toyota Fortuner with the number 4545 is well known in his constituency – Kothrud. “The first SUV I had was a Mahindra 342,followed by a Bolero. Then I bought a Scorpio before replacing it with a Mitsubishi Pajero. My car is a Fortuner now,but my favourite brand remains Mahindra. The SUV has a personality that reflects on the owner. Besides,these vehicles are taller and that adds the element of pride,which most of the politicians associate with,” Mokate says.

For BJP MLA from Parvati constituency,Madhuri Misal,possessing a Honda CRV is a matter of comfort. “As politicians,we are required to travel so much that a comfortable journey is ensured only with an SUV. We are a joint family and having an SUV is a tradition. Even before this,I had a Prado. While travelling on the highways for party work,an SUV is the most comfortable vehicle.”

Says ‘gold man’ and MNS MLA from Khadakwasla Ramesh Wanjale,“The car that we drive has to be according to our position and status. The SUVs are not only rugged and sturdy,but also offer the much-needed comfort. Besides,one feels secure while driving an SUV secure.” He owns a cream-white Ford Endeavor. “I recently purchased a white Toyota Fortuner as it is more comfortable. And given the rural landscape of my constituency,I prefer driving it than any other vehicle.”

Priced at around Rs 20 lakh,Toyota Fortuner incidentally is the latest object of desire amongst politicians. So much so that there is a six-month wait and many are willing to pay Rs 3 lakh above the on-road price. “The vehicle is a hit amongst politicians and businessmen. It started off with big leaders purchasing it and their followers following suit,” said Vinod Lalwani,deputy manager,West Region,Toyota.

Rohit Tilak,Congress candidate from Kasba Peth who drives a Mitsubishi Pajero,says driving an SUV in the city is painful and he prefers to use a Santro. “When I was the NSUI state president,I used to travel a lot and that’s when I travelled the most in the Pajero.” Incidentally,while their SUV choices are different,all of them seem to opt for a common colour — white! “It gives the much-needed decent look for a politician’s image,” says Misal.

Power Drive
Sharad Pawar (NCP) Audi Q7
Ajit Pawar (NCP) Toyota Landcruiser
Suresh Kalmadi (Cong) Grand Vitara
Ramesh Wanjale (MNS) Ford
Endeavor,Toyota Fortuner
Chandrakant Mokate (Shiv Sena)
Toyota Fortuner
Madhuri Misal (BJP) Honda CRV
Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil (Shiv Sena) Tata Safari
Rohit Tilak (Cong) Mitsubishi Pajero