🚔💰 ₹7 Crore Spent on 51 Thars, ₹5 Crore on Customisation: Odisha Orders Probe
📌 Introduction
The Odisha government has ordered a high-level probe after reports revealed massive spending on official vehicles.
Allegedly, around ₹7 crore was spent on purchasing 51 Mahindra Thar SUVs, while an additional ₹5 crore was used for their customisation.
The disclosure has sparked political controversy and public outrage, especially amid debates on government spending priorities in 2025.
🚙 Details of the Vehicle Purchase
The vehicles in question are Mahindra Thar SUVs, known for their rugged design and premium pricing.
According to initial information:
51 Thar vehicles were purchased for official use
The total procurement cost reportedly touched ₹7 crore
The decision raised eyebrows due to the high number of SUVs purchased at once.
🛠️ ₹5 Crore Spent on Customisation
The controversy deepened after it emerged that approximately ₹5 crore was spent on modifying the vehicles.
Customisation reportedly included:
Special interiors
Communication equipment
Security-related modifications
Cosmetic enhancements
Critics questioned whether such extensive customisation was necessary for official work.
🏛️ Why Odisha Government Ordered a Probe
The state government ordered an inquiry to:
Examine procurement procedures
Verify compliance with financial rules
Assess the necessity of high-end customisation
Officials stated that transparency and accountability in public spending are essential.
⚖️ Political Reactions and Allegations
Opposition parties accused the administration of:
Misuse of public funds
Lack of financial discipline
Ignoring pressing public welfare needs
The issue has become a major political flashpoint in the state.
📊 Public Anger and Social Media Reaction
Citizens took to social media to express anger and disbelief.
Many questioned:
Whether such spending was justified
Why luxury-style vehicles were prioritized
The controversy has fueled debates on government accountability in 2025.
🧾 What the Probe Will Examine
The inquiry is expected to focus on:
Tendering and procurement process
Pricing and vendor selection
Approval authority for customisation expenses
End-use justification of the vehicles
Any irregularities could lead to disciplinary action.
🔮 Implications for Governance in 2025
The case highlights the increasing public scrutiny of government expenditure.
With voters demanding transparency:
Governments may face tighter financial oversight
Discretionary spending could come under stricter controls
The outcome of the probe may influence future procurement decisions.
📝 Conclusion
The Odisha government’s decision to order a probe into the Thar purchase and customisation expenses reflects rising accountability pressures.
As investigations begin, the controversy underscores the importance of responsible public spending.
In 2025, such cases serve as reminders that transparency is no longer optional in governance.
