The toy cars never made it inside the BMC premises, as security personnel at the entrance stopped them and returned them to the MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande. Representative image: Wikimedia Commons
Toy Innovas, real row: MNS mocks BMC's SUV upgrade plan amid 'back pain' debate
MNS leader sends toy Innova cars to civic headquarters after BMC's proposal to replace recently-procured Scorpios with costlier vehicles sparks political criticism
A proposal by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to replace recently-acquired Scorpio SUVs with costlier Innova Crysta vehicles has snowballed into a political controversy, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) mocking the civic body's move through a symbolic protest.
On Monday (August 3), MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande attempted to send toy Innova cars to the BMC headquarters, taking a swipe at the civic administration's decision to seek an upgrade. However, the toy vehicles never made it inside the premises, as security personnel stationed at the entrance stopped them and returned them to the MNS leader.
The protest comes days after reports emerged that some elected representatives had complained that the Scorpio SUVs arranged by the civic body caused discomfort during travel.
'Scorpios too jerky,' say elected representatives
The controversy stems from the BMC's proposal to replace the Scorpio SUVs, procured only a few months ago at a cost of around Rs 20 lakh each, with Toyota Innova Crysta vehicles estimated to cost about Rs 23 lakh apiece.
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According to sources, several elected representatives informed the civic administration that the Scorpio SUVs were "too jerky", resulting in back pain during official travel. Based on these complaints, the BMC reportedly proposed switching to the more expensive Innova Crysta models.
The move has triggered criticism from opposition leaders, who questioned the need for an upgrade so soon after the earlier purchase.
Political sparring over public expenditure
Former Mumbai mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kishori Pednekar strongly criticised the proposal, alleging misuse of public funds.
"Looting the municipality in this manner is absolutely wrong. Is the Commissioner here merely to indulge their whims and fancies?" she said, questioning the justification for replacing vehicles purchased only months earlier.
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The criticism reflects a broader political debate over spending priorities at a time when civic bodies are expected to exercise financial prudence.
Mayor defends proposal
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde defended the proposal, maintaining that the request was based on genuine health concerns rather than luxury.
She said she too suffers from back pain and experienced discomfort while travelling in the Scorpio SUVs. Tawde added that the existing contract permits elected representatives to request a different vehicle if required.
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"The contract clearly states that we can request a different vehicle if we wish to switch the current one. The request was made because of back pain, and I realised this only after using these vehicles," she said.
With political parties trading barbs over the issue, what began as a request for a vehicle replacement has evolved into a wider debate over public spending, administrative priorities, and the optics of comfort upgrades for elected representatives.