With political campaigns in full swing amid the Assembly elections, bike rallies have become a common sight in the city. While these rallies aim to showcase public support for leaders, they are also drawing criticism for blatant traffic violations. From senior leaders to local party workers, many participants have been caught flouting traffic rules during these events.
Participants in bike rallies, often seen riding without helmets or breaking other traffic norms, have reportedly disrupted regular traffic flow. Despite traffic personnel being deployed to ensure smooth vehicular movement during such rallies, enforcement of rules appears lax on the ground. However, senior officials from the Nagpur Traffic Department clarified that violators are not being spared, as fines are being issued using CCTV footage.
A Nagpur Traffic Police official stated, “While ground personnel are focused on managing traffic during rallies, we are leveraging CCTV footage to issue challans to those violating traffic rules.”
The rallies, often organized for nomination filings or roadshows, have faced public ire for causing inconvenience and creating a sense of privilege for participants who escape immediate penalties. Ordinary citizens, on the other hand, continue to face hefty fines for similar violations, raising concerns about a lack of accountability for political leaders and their supporters.
Many citizens have criticized the apparent double standards in police behavior. While common citizens face strict enforcement and immediate penalties for traffic violations, political workers and leaders participating in rallies seem to enjoy leniency on the ground. This disparity has sparked frustration, with many questioning whether traffic laws are being selectively enforced to accommodate political agendas.
As election campaigns ended on Monday, the Nagpur Traffic Police faced the dual challenge of maintaining order on city roads while ensuring fair enforcement of traffic rules, even during politically charged events.