Lok Sabha Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan. Lok Sabha Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan.

The new official car of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is a white Jaguar XE Portfolio costing Rs 48.25 lakh.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat cited security reasons to purchase the luxury sedan, which was delivered at the Speaker’s official residence in Delhi on Monday — so far, Mahajan has been using a Toyota Camry as her official vehicle.

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“Sanction of Competent Authority to incur an advance of Rs 48,25,661 for purchase of new car for the use of Honble Speaker, Lok Sabha from AMP Motors Pvt Ltd. Necessary settlement will be made in due course after receiving the original invoice/bill for the purchase of new car,” states a note from the Secretariat. The amount was sanctioned on May 23, said sources.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s new Jaguar at Parliament on Saturday morning. Speaker Mahajan had come to pay homage to Veer Savarkar. (Express Photo by Renuka Puri) Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s new Jaguar at Parliament on Saturday morning. Speaker Mahajan had come to pay homage to Veer Savarkar. (Express Photo by Renuka Puri)

When contacted, D K Bhalla, Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat, told The Indian Express: “There were two options, BMW and Jaguar, suggested on the basis of their security manoeuvrability. We have opted for the cheapest option.”

According to protocol norms, the Speaker is at par with the Chief Justice of India and sixth after President, Vice President, Prime Minister, governors, and both former presidents and Deputy Prime Minister.

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