Bengaluru, Sep 1 (IANS) Former Karnataka minister and BJP leader, B.C. Patil, on Tuesday has questioned the alleged “zero traffic” arrangement made for Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s travel to Bengaluru airport, saying the restrictions caused severe inconvenience to airport-bound passengers.

Taking to social media Facebook, Patil also questioned whether Kharge was being given a special facility because he is the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and urged the Home Minister to follow the law and ensure that VIP movements do not cause hardship to the public.

It can be note that B.C. Patil, was a police officer before entering into politics. Patil is also a film actor.

Patil said he was travelling from Bengaluru to the airport at around 5.30 a.m. when traffic police stopped vehicular movement and informed commuters that “zero traffic” arrangements had been made as the Home Minister was travelling to the airport.

“I asked why zero traffic was being provided and who was travelling. The traffic police told me that Karnataka Home Minister was going to the airport,” Patil said.

Questioning the practice, Patil said he was not aware of any provision under which a Home Minister was entitled to “zero traffic” arrangements.

“There is no zero traffic for the Home Minister, in my opinion and as far as I know. When did this system come into existence?” he questioned.

Patil alleged that the traffic restrictions resulted in a major traffic jam, leaving several passengers travelling to the airport struggling to reach their flights on time.

“Many passengers were worried that they would miss their flights. They were struggling because of the traffic jam,” he said.

Taking a dig at the alleged VIP treatment, Patil questioned whether Kharge was being accorded special privileges because of his family background.

“Is this a special facility because he is the son of the AICC president?” Patil asked.

Patil appealed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take note of the incident and appropriately advise the Home Minister.

He urged Priyank Kharge to act in accordance with the law and ensure that arrangements for the movement of ministers do not unnecessarily inconvenience ordinary citizens.

Patil said VIP movements should be managed without causing disruption to the public, particularly passengers travelling to Bengaluru airport, who could face serious consequences if they miss their scheduled flights.

–IANS

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