Indian political leaders and bureaucrat

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<b>Mulayam prefers Land Cruiser to Amby</b>?<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->For a man who likes to flaunt his socialist leanings, <b>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav is fast acquiring the trappings of a luxurious life -- his government has now cleared the purchase of eight Toyota Land Cruisers for his use</b>.

The <b>state cabinet has approved the Rs 40 million purchase of eight bulletproof vehicles for Yadav's fleet -- each Land Cruiser costs Rs 6.6 million.</b>

The purchase of the Land Cruisers comes close on the heels of Yadav's fad for Rolex watches and other trimmings of a luxurious life.

Officials say the chief minister is entitled to bulletproof vehicles because of his Z-Plus category security cover.

In an apparent balancing act, <b>Yadav has also ensured clearance for the purchase of 150 air-conditioned Ambassador cars and 150 Maruti Gypsys for his council of ministers and others holding equally important offices.</b>

The Ambassadors will be used by the ministers while the Gypsy vehicles are meant for their police guards.

<b>Each Ambassador is priced at Rs 550,000 and Gypsy costs about Rs 400,000, leaving the state exchequer with a hefty bill of Rs 140 million</b>
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