RTI: Rs 38.3 lakh spent on VP Venkaiah Naidu's convoy fuel in 4 years

Hyderabad: Vice-President, M. Venkaiah Naidu, was in Hyderabad on 16 November for the inaugural ceremony of the new amenities centre at the University of Hyderabad. This is part of the several visits the Vice-President makes from time to time to Hyderabad where he owns a home in Banjara Hills.

An RTI response has revealed that a whopping Rs 38.3 lakh was spent towards the fuel expenses from 2016 to 2020 for the Vice-President's convoy.

The RTI filed by Hyderabad-based Society for Safety of Public revealed, "The amount spent on fuel from 2016 to 2020 (up to 31 October) is Rs 38,38,822." It is important to note that in a span of five years i.e. from the time the senior BJP leader from Andhra Pradesh was appointed Vice-President, the fuel expenses for his visits have exceeded budget multiple times. The majority of visits he has made were to Hyderabad, the data revealed. About 36 per cent of his trips were in the two Telugu states, mostly for awards functions, convocations, and other events.

A senior police officer in the Hyderabad Traffic who oversees the traffic regulations during the Naidu's visits said, "As part of the protocol, the Vice-President is allocated a Z-Plus security. The team comprises a close proximity team with a convey strength of 16 to 17 vehicles including an ambulance. It is mandatory to provide a green corridor whenever the Vice-President visits."

As per protocol and security requirements, road traffic is often stopped for the convoys to pass and also police personnel on the route are increased as per requirements.