It is two months since the 14th Legislative Assembly was constituted and the Leader of Opposition H.D. Kumaraswamy is yet to be allotted an official bungalow. Interestingly, on Friday he was provided with a new vehicle.
Mr. Kumaraswamy was given the keys by the officials of the Legislative Assembly secretariat.
While Cabinet Ministers were allotted new cars soon after the swearing-in ceremony, it was expected that the government would extend a similar gesture to Leaders of the Opposition of the two Houses as they too enjoy Cabinet rank.
It is said that the norms fixed for a new car for the Leader of the Opposition had delayed the delivery of the vehicle.
As per the rules, a leader of the Opposition is eligible for a car that costs not more than Rs. 16 lakh and the vehicle sought by Mr. Kumaraswamy was priced at Rs. 24 lakh.
Mr. Kumaraswamy was initially offered a car used by the previous Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly (Siddaramaiah).
It is stated that Mr. Kumaraswamy also demanded that he be allowed to choose his residential quarters. The government has nearly 20 bungalows set apart for Ministers and the Leader of the Opposition sought the same residence which was given to his predecessor.
