Bengaluru: Following criticism by the public and the ruling Congress, BJP State President B S Yeddyurappa has decided not to use Rs. 1-crore luxury SUV for touring drought-hit areas across the state.

Speaking to reporters he said that he would travel by train instead of car to the drought-hit areas. He is expected to visit districts of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Raichur, and Vijayapura from April 27 to May 1.

BSY came under severe public criticism after it was announced that he would use the luxury SUV, given by the industrialist and party leader Murugesh Nirani for touring the drought-hit areas. The controversy had even embarrassed BJP leaders.

BSY had defended Nirani that the car was given for a comfortable travel. However, he also made it clear that the car was not a gift and would return it in due course.