A roadshow organized in support of Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Lok Sabha nominee, Sanjay Tandon, on May 10 in Chandigarh turned chaotic as over 100 participants were issued challans for various traffic violations. The event, aimed at garnering support for Tandon’s candidacy, inadvertently attracted attention for the blatant disregard of traffic norms by many of its attendees.
Reports from the Chandigarh traffic police highlighted numerous infractions, including triple riding, two-wheeler riders without helmets, overloaded cars, riding on the wrong side of the road, and individuals dangerously perched atop vehicles. Such violations not only created chaos but also inconvenienced city residents, leading to concerns over public safety.
The route of the roadshow, which commenced from the BJP office in Sector 33 and concluded at the Exhibition Ground in Sector 34, saw a procession of around 500 vehicles. Despite the substantial turnout, the event was marred by the flouting of traffic regulations, prompting the authorities to take action.
Approximately 75 challans were issued based on handycam recordings by the police, while the rest stemmed from complaints received via social media and footage captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. The violations warranted penalties under various sections of the Motor Vehicle Act, such as dangerous driving, riding without helmets, and wrong parking.
City residents also actively contributed to identifying violations, utilizing social media platforms to report instances of non-compliance. Harman Sidhu, an NGO worker, was among those who flagged violations, resulting in subsequent challans. The Chandigarh Traffic Police promptly responded to such reports, assuring action against the offenders.
The aftermath of the roadshow saw criticism and controversy, prompting INDIA bloc candidate Manish Tewari to organize a march (padyatra) during his nomination filing on May 15. The event underscored the significance of upholding traffic regulations during political rallies and public gatherings, emphasizing the need for adherence to safety protocols.
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Despite the attention drawn to the traffic violations, Sanjay Tandon refrained from commenting on the issue when approached. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP, traffic) Sumer Pratap Singh remained unavailable for comments despite repeated attempts to seek clarification.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting traffic laws, particularly during public events where large crowds are expected to gather. As political campaigns intensify, ensuring public safety must remain a top priority for organizers and participants alike.
