22nd May 2023, Mumbai: When state leaders drive by car, there are no traffic regulations in place, and the police restrict traffic until they have passed.
Due to the trouble it can bring to drivers, Siddaramaiah, the new chief minister of Karnataka, decided to do away with the “zero-traffic” privilege for his motorcade or convoy when he is going through the city on Sunday.
“I have requested that the ‘Zero Traffic’ protocol for my vehicular movement be reinstated,” said the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner. Siddaramaiah tweeted, “I have made the decision after observing the difficulties encountered by those travelling along the area where there are limits owing to “zero traffic.”
When state leaders drive by car, there are no traffic regulations in place, and the police restrict traffic until they have passed.
Basavaraj Bommai, a former chief minister of Karnataka, and Araga Jnanendra, a former minister of the interior, have both previously criticised the Zero Traffic protocol.
Additionally, starting on Monday, Siddaramaiah chose not to take garlands and shawls from the public.
“This applies to my personal, professional, and civic activities as well. People might present books as a way to express their love and admiration. May I always have your love and respect,” Siddaramaiah tweeted.
On Saturday, Siddaramaiah and eight other Congress legislators, including party leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Priyank and former deputy chief minister G Parameshwara.
K H Muniyappa, M B Patil, K J George, Ramalinga Reddy, and B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan were the last ministers to take the oath of office.