Customised home-on-wheels for politicians as Lok Sabha elections near

Coimbatore: Come election time, leaders of various political parties turn to this industrial city for remodelling their SUVs into comfortable caravans to undertake whirlwind campaigns.

Koyas and Sons, the city-based car interior designers, is the preferred destination for turning vehicles into mini ‘mobile-homes’ featuring all the comfort needed for the gruelling electioneering.

Even as the campaign for the Lok Sabha polls was yet to gain momentum, Koyas and Sons have already delivered a custom-built tempo traveller with all facilities of a small home to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, P V Mohammed Riaz, Managing Partner of the firm said.

Koyas became an instant hit and preferred choice for politicians after late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi airlifted his Ambassador car from Delhi to the city for refurbishing noticing the comfort of the car used by former Kerala Chief Minister late K Karunakaran.

Stating that the workshop customised Tempo Traveller or SUVs, Riaz said during busy schedule of elections, VVIPs and star campaigners required ‘home comforts’ like bed to kitchen cabinets and micro oven, refrigerator, a shower and clinical

toilet in their vehicles.

Vehicles can be refit or refurbished, which took 20 days to three months at a cost of Rs one lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

Politicians need sun-roofing with an opening at the top of the vehicle so that they could address the public, standing on a hydraulic platform, Riaz said, adding, motorised

Revolving chairs, public address system, including cordless mikes and the air-conditioner were must in the caravan.

Extra battery would be fitted to provide the required power for the altered vehicle, Riaz said.