From Munda government, bullet-proof Merc for Razi

Besides the Governor, the CM and his council have also decided to change the fleet. They had been given brand new Ambassador cars three years ago. Soon, these cars were fitted with air conditioners. But now, when Razi’s Baleno had to be replaced with a Merc, Munda deemed it fit to phase out the Ambassadors as well. ‘‘In any case, after three years, all vehicles need replacement,’’ reasoned Munda.

A day after he won the vote of confidence in the Assembly on March 15, Munda and his five ministers arrived at a consensus. While they have shown no particular preference so far, quotations have been sought from MS Mitsubishi for 16 luxurious Lancers. If they do come through, the exchequer will have to shell out Rs 2.8 crore. The state’s finances are already in deficit and since the plan was not part of the annual budget, no funds are as yet available. The administration says it will dip into its contingency fund for a loan.