No fine for flouting traffic rules in Gujarat during Diwali, announces state government

The BJP government in Gujarat has "directed" its police not to fine traffic violators during the Diwali festivities till October 27. Although Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi announced government's decision on Friday, no notification in this regard was issued by the government by Saturday night.

Addressing a gathering in Surat on "Safe Diwali, Safe Surat," Sanghavi had announced, "An important decision has been taken under the guidance of chief minister Bhupendra Patel that from October 21 to October 27 midnight, Gujarat police will not fine anyone for violating traffic rules. If traffic police catch anyone without a helmet, licence or for any other traffic violation, the person will be greeted with a flower." His announcement was greeted with loud cheers.

The decision comes in the middle of preparation for upcoming Assembly polls and the announcement is being seen as part of BJP's push to consolidate Hindu votes. Many social media users termed the decision as a "political stunt." The opposition parties - Congress and AAP - haven't issued any statement.

Also watch | No fines for traffic violations in this state during Diwali

Meanwhile, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi took to Twitter to criticise the government's move and called it a "revdi bonanza." "In 2021, Gujarat saw 15,200 road traffic accidents in which 7,457 people lost their lives. This ‘revdi’ bonanza by BJP Gujarat govt is putting people’s lives at risk," he said.

Earlier in 2019, the state government, then led by Vijay Rupani, had announced doing away with mandatory helmet for two-wheeler riders in cities and said that and wearing it would be optional. The government reasoned that it had received complaints from citizens who were finding it difficult to wear helmets even when going to buy grocery or vegetables in the neighbouring markets. Months later, the government took a U-turn after a PIL was filed in high court where it argued that no notification had been issued and the relaxation was temporary.

When contacted, joint commissioner of police, Ahmedabad city, Mayanksinh Chavda, told DH, "There is no notification with regard to traffic violators. It was only an appeal that no routine check-up would be carried out."