Apropos to the news published in ‘The Hitavada’ CityLine front page on November 6 says it all: ‘Political rally holds city hostage’. Thousands of Nagpur citizens, office-goers, patients, commuters and even emergency vehicles were reportedly stranded for hours as the BJP and its allies took out a political rally through some of the city’s busiest roads on the eve of Diwali. But beyond the traffic chaos and inconvenience lies a much bigger question concerning the functioning of our democracy and, more importantly, the impartiality of our administration. Why does a ruling party, which enjoys power at the Centre and in several states, need to take to the streets to protest against the system it is responsible for governing? If there is anarchy, who is accountable? If democracy needs saving, who is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting it? Surely, the responsibility of governance rests with those in power and not with the ordinary citizens who are forced to bear the consequences of political theatrics.

 

What is even more disturbing is the apparent double standard in granting permissions and managing political demonstrations. We have witnessed how a handful of Gen Z, who wanted to take out a peaceful march from Gandhi Putla at Variety Square to Samvidhan Square, were denied permission citing traffic related concerns. Similar restrictions have been imposed on several other citizen groups and organisations seeking to hold peaceful demonstrations or marches in the city. The standard justification has invariably been traffic congestion, public inconvenience and law and order considerations. But when the ruling BJP decides to organise a massive political march, suddenly these considerations seem to disappear! Was the administration unaware that the rally would coincide with peak evening traffic?

 

Did the Traffic Department not anticipate the consequences of diverting thousands of vehicles onto already congested roads? Were the citizens informed in advance? And why were the same traffic-related objections, not considered adequate grounds to restrict this massive political gathering? The newspaper report itself describes traffic snarls extending from Samvidhan Square towards Koradi Flyover, Sitabuldi, Dhantoli, Ramdaspeth and Amravati Road, with commuters stranded for hours and ambulances caught in the congestion. It is difficult to ignore the larger impression that the entire administrative machinery was mobilised to facilitate the ruling party’s political programme, while the ordinary citizens were left to fend for themselves. Traffic management, route planning, public communication and emergency access; the responsibilities for which the administration and police exist, appeared to take a backseat. This raises an unavoidable question: Are Government agencies accountable to the Constitution and citizens, or are they expected to fall in line with the political convenience of whoever happens to be in power? If those in power take to the streets, citizens can only expect more chaos and hardship. Welcome to New India!