Date:16/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/16/stories/2008031650210100.htm

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BJP protest leads to gridlock in busy areas

Staff Reporter

Party fights for schemes for the poor and the elderly

People had to cope with four-hour traffic jam
Appeals to clear the road for traffic went unheard

BANGALORE: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday organised a ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ to pressure the Government to implement the Sandhya Suraksha scheme for senior citizens and issue ration cards to the poor.

This resulted in a major traffic gridlock in the central business areas and left a trail of litter in Cubbon Park. Hundreds of motorists and thousands of commuters had to cope with a four-hour traffic jam because of the cascading effect of the protest held on Kasturba Road between Hudson Circle and Siddalingaiah Circle.

The party had asked the police to permit the protest by stating that it would take place on just a part of the four-lane road between the two junctions without obstructing traffic flow. However the swarming crowds forced the police to divert traffic, causing chaos in adjoining areas including J.C. Road, Seshadri Road, K.R. Road, Nrupatunga Road and Ambedkar Veedhi for nearly four hours.

A makeshift stage was erected near Siddalingaiah Circle for the leaders to address the gathering. Soon the crowds swelled so much there was no space to move, making it especially difficult for women and elderly people. The traffic was totally jammed around 12.30 p.m.

Chaos ensued as fervent appeals by the former Ministers R. Ashok and B. Sriramulu and also Mr. Yeddyurappa to clear the road for traffic went unheard.

Later, in his speech, Mr. Yeddyurappa said the protest would continue till there was a clear indication from the Governor’s office on this count. BJP national general secretary H.N. Ananth Kumar defended the inconvenience caused to the people, saying there were bound to be problems when people came in large numbers.