Manmohan Singh's Maruti 800 On His 80th Birthday

Updated: Friday, September 28, 2012, 10:46 [IST]

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is celebrating his 80th birthday today. The economist turned politician is not one of the richest minister in his cabinet. You will get to know about this by looking at the car he owns.

Manmohan Singh owns a 1996 Maruti 800. The Maruti 800 was and is the most affordable car in the country and Manmohan Singh owning it indicates his bureaucratic roots. The 16 year old car is now valued at just over Rs.27,000.

Manmohan Singh's cabinet colleagues also own a distinct variety of cars. Drivespark has a photo feature of some of our ministers and their cars.

A K Anthony - Wagon R

Defense Minister A K Anthony is another Maruti Suzuki customer. His wife owns an used Wagon R hatchback.

Kamal Nath - Tata Nano

Kamal Nath, the urban development minister is one of the richest members of the cabinet. However he also owns cars that are close to the Amm Aadmi. Kamal Nath's cars include an Ambassador as well as a Tata Nano.

Jairam Ramesh - Maruti Suzuki Zen

Another minister who owns a common man's car is rural development minister Jairam Ramesh who owns a Maruti Suzuki Zen.

P Chidambaram - Ford Fiesta

Finance Minister Chidambaram owns three cars - a Ford Fiesta, a Skoda and a Volkswagen. Mr Chidambaram also owns a bicycle. We haven't seen him riding it in many years.

Kapil Sibal's Bullet

Telecom minister Kapil Sibal is not only a famous lawyer but also appears to be a auto enthusiast. He owns a Toyota Corolla for his trips around Delhi, a Maruti Suzuki Jeep to go off-roading and a Hyundai Sonata premium sedan. The big surprise is that he also owns a Royal Enfield Bullet.

SM Krishna's Hyundai Sonata

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna owns a Mitsubishi Lancer and a Hyundai Sonata.

Salman Khurshed - Toyota Innova

Union law minister Salman Khusrsheed owns a Mahindra Jeep and a 2005 Toyota Innova.

Pranab Da's favourite car is still an Amby

Pranabh Mukherjee, the former cabinet colleague of Manmohan Singh has always loved the Ambassador. He also has a 2000 Ford Ikon which is touch more expensive and spacious than our prime minister's Maruti 800. The president now rides a more expensive Rs.6 crore Mercedes-Benz.