Nagpur: The BJP’s ‘Save Democracy’ march on Thursday severely disrupted traffic across Nagpur, leaving ordinary residents to bear the brunt of the political show of strength. More than 30,000 to 35,000 party workers arrived in the city in over 5,000 vehicles from various districts of Vidarbha, leading to long queues of vehicles on major roads.
Residents who had stepped out for Diwali shopping were stuck in traffic for hours. Questions are being raised over whether the inconvenience caused to the public was considered while bringing such a large crowd into the city for a political event.
Traffic came to a complete standstill on roads from Chhatrapati Square to Mankapur, as well as on routes entering the city from Wardha Road. Long queues formed between Janata Square and Constitution Square. The Kasturchand Park flyover, the flyover at LIC Square and the Adivasi Gowari flyover also witnessed heavy traffic. On several roads, motorists were unable to move forward as the vehicles brought in for the march clogged the city’s daily traffic.
Residents stepped out for Diwali shopping but were stranded on the roads
Markets in Sitabuldi and Dhantoli were crowded with shoppers ahead of Diwali. The march blocked traffic routes, making it difficult for people to reach the markets. With police closing several roads, residents were forced to take lengthy diversions. Families out shopping, senior citizens and children faced considerable inconvenience. Traders may also suffer during the festive season because of the traffic congestion.
Ambulances also affected; questions over emergency services
Several major private hospitals are located in the Dhantoli and Ramdaspeth areas, which already experience heavy evening traffic. The congestion caused by the march affected ambulances as well. The situation has raised serious questions over whether dedicated lanes and adequate arrangements were made for emergency services while roads were crowded for the political event.
If ambulances had to negotiate obstacles to reach hospitals, questions arise over the effectiveness of the claims of traffic planning.
Where did the deployment of 700 police personnel go?
It had been announced that more than 700 police personnel would be deployed for the march. Police had claimed that traffic congestion would be avoided. However, the situation on the ground exposed the gap between those claims and reality. Major intersections, flyovers and roads leading to markets were packed with vehicles.
Questions are being raised over why the authorities failed to keep traffic moving despite such a large police deployment.
The hardships faced by ordinary citizens were overshadowed by the ‘Save Democracy’ march. Political parties have the right to demonstrate their strength, but no one has the right to hold an entire city’s residents hostage for such a show of strength. The march will end and the workers will return, but who will make up for the time lost in traffic and the distress suffered by citizens?
