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Ashoka warns top cops of suspension if traffic is halted, inconveniencing the common man, to make way for his convoy

Home minister R Ashoka is against police clearing traffic for his convoy on Bangalore’s roads where the common man is frequently asked to wait at junctions to facilitate VVIP movement. Ashoka has warned policemen with suspension if they stop the common man at junctions when he is on the move.

VVIPs, who get thorough right of way for their convoy movement, have to learn a lesson or two from Ashoka. In fact, recently the city police got the traffic halted and gave signal-free clearance so that the vehicle of B S Yeddyurappa, in spite of himno more being the chief minister, got a smooth ride the day he went to the court for a hearing where he is an accused.

Ashoka recently summoned state police chief N Achuta Rao and DCP (traffic-east) B A Muthanna, and told them to stop putting the common man to inconvenience when his convoy is on the move. “In four meetings, I told them to stop this unhealthy practice. Despite this, they continued to hold up traffic for me. I got angry and warned them with suspension if they continue to do so,’’ Ashoka told Bangalore Mirror.

“As a home minister, I have a threat from naxals, terrorists and other anti-social people. At the same time, I know the hardship experienced by the common man on the city’s roads. Their level of patience comes down if traffic police bring life to halt when a VVIP arrives. Sometimes, public are made to wait for five to 10 minutes. It is ridiculous, I don’t want comfort of movement at the cost of keeping the common man waiting.

As the home minister, sometimes I will have to rush to a spot on emergency grounds. Then, I will request them to clear the traffic at junctions. Let them give me clearance at that time and not all the time. I have given a written direction to the police not to go for zero clearance when I approach a junction. The police officers accompanying me in a pilot car will request the police if there is any emergency. At that time, let the police just clear the traffic at the junction instead of stopping it for 10 minutes.”

This should be an eye-opener for Yeddyurappa who is still getting zero  traffic clearance and Z-plus security. Even former home minister Dr V S Acharya, who is now the higher education minister, is getting traffic clearance in the city.

As per rules, the chief minister, prime minister, President, visiting heads of state, Central ministers, the governor, chief justices of the high court and Supreme Court are entitled to traffic clearance when they are on the move. Former chief minister and Union minister of external affairs S M Krishna is another dignitary who does not take traffic clearance when he is in the city. He prefers to move in a private car unnoticed.

Explaining why he does not want traffic clearance, which is a status symbol for politicians, Ashoka said, “I have grown with this city. I know the problems of the people. I was a victim of VVIP movement on the city’s road till I became a minister. Power will be with me today and may not be tomorrow. Let us lead a humble life.’’

Let’s hope Yeddyurappa is listening.