Bulletproof SUV for MP: On Capt’s ‘insistence’, MP Bittu ready to keep old model SUV

“There are some issues with the vehicle. It is overused and not giving a smooth ride. I anyway prefer travelling in my Innova, but I would be getting this SUV repaired before using it.”

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Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh (File)

A DAY after expressing displeasure and unhappiness over “old, junk and discarded” Mitsubishi Montero SUV of 2006 model sent to him, the Ludhiana MP, Ravneet Singh Bittu, on Friday said he has decided to keep the vehicle on the “insistence of Captain Amarinder Singh” but would be getting some major repair work done before using the vehicle. Getting threats from pro-Khalistani groups through online videos, Bittu was given a bulletproof SUV on Thursday by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s office. Bittu, however, had said that he was “planning to return the vehicle as not only is it not in perfect working condition but also because he would like to go with the motto of Captain’s government shunning VIP culture”.

On Friday, Bittu said, “I received a call from Khubi Ram Ji, who is security adviser to Captain Amarinder Singh. Maharaja Saab (Captain) has clearly told him that my vehicle won’t be taken back and I have to keep it. They have even said that whether I sit in the vehicle or not, it will move with me and won’t be taken back. They have given me an option to replace it if I am not satisfied with the one that is sent. Personally, I am not in favour of keeping any bulletproof vehicle or enhancing my security but since the CM has personally sent it, I can’t deny now. He is not agreeing to take it back. So, I have decided to keep it.”

Bittu, however, said that he would be getting the repair work done. “There are some issues with the vehicle. It is overused and not giving a smooth ride. I anyway prefer travelling in my Innova, but I would be getting this SUV repaired before using it.”

Asked about his earlier statement, Bittu said, “I will be keeping only one official security vehicle. A bulletproof Ambassador, which was given to me earlier, is lying idle and I would be returning it. It will be either Ambassador or SUV that will stay. I will not keep two bulletproof vehicles. I was ready to return this SUV also but I am keeping it on Capt’s insistence. I respect their feelings.”

Divya Goyal

Divya Goyal is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Ludhiana (Punjab). She is widely recognized for her human-interest storytelling and in-depth investigative reporting on social and political issues in the region. Professional Profile Experience: With over 13 years in journalism, she joined The Indian Express in 2012. She previously worked with Hindustan Times. Education: A gold medalist in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Core Beats: She covers a diverse range of subjects, including gender issues, education, the Sikh diaspora, heritage, and the legacy of the Partition. She has also reported on minority communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Awards and Recognition Divya has earned significant acclaim for her sensitivity toward gender and social disparities: Laadli Media Award (2020): For her investigative report "Punjab: The Invisible Drug Addicts," which exposed the gender disparity in treating women addicts. Laadli Media Award (2023): For a ground report on the struggles of two girls who had to ride a boat to reach their school in a border village of Punjab. Signature Style Divya is known for "humanizing the news." Rather than just reporting on policy, she often focuses on the individuals affected by it—such as students dealing with exam stress, farmers struggling with diversification, or families impacted by crime. Her work often bridges the gap between West (Pakistan) and East (India) Punjab, exploring shared heritage and common struggles. X (Twitter): @DivyaGoyal_ ... Read More

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