Patna: As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, the race for votes has also sparked a race for luxury rides. Demand for high-end SUVs such as Toyota Fortuner and Innova has surged among politicians and their campaign teams, pushing travel agencies to the brink of shortage.
The heightened demand has led to rental prices soaring by nearly one and a half times, creating ripple effects beyond the political circuit. With the wedding season approaching in November, many organisers and families are finding it difficult to book vehicles, as most fleets have already been reserved for election use.
According to travel agency operators, Fortuners and Innovas remain the top choices for candidates due to their comfort, reliability, and the social stature they convey. Other SUVs are also seeing heavy bookings, as campaign teams scramble to secure transportation ahead of the nomination phase.
Unable to meet the demand locally, agencies are now sourcing additional vehicles from neighbouring Jharkhand and West Bengal. The influx of campaign rentals has turned Bihar’s election trail into a showcase of power and prestige, even as ordinary citizens face mounting challenges in securing affordable transport.
