Kolkata, 24 February (H.S.) – In a significant move against VIP culture, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that no VIP—whether a minister, officer, or senior official—will receive special treatment at traffic signals. They will now have to stop at red lights just like ordinary citizens. She made this announcement on Monday during an event at the Dhana Dhanya Auditorium. The event was attended by Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, and Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam.
Setting an example herself, Mamata Banerjee stated, I have never asked the police to stop traffic for my vehicle. I don’t mind waiting in traffic like everyone else. She criticized those who use their status to bypass traffic rules, calling such behavior unacceptable. She firmly asserted, If common people can wait at traffic signals, why can’t VIPs? I am not special—I prefer to move like the common people.
Taking a dig at previous Left Front governments, Banerjee recalled how roads were blocked whenever former Chief Ministers Jyoti Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharya traveled. People were forced to wait in traffic for VIP movements. This will no longer be allowed. No one should suffer because a VIP is passing through. Everyone’s time is valuable, she emphasized.
To further improve traffic regulation, the Chief Minister announced the construction of watchtowers at key intersections across Kolkata and other parts of the state. She urged legislators and Members of Parliament to contribute funds for this initiative, reminding them of their social responsibility. As an MP, I used my funds to build traffic stands, bus stands, seating areas outside schools, and even beautified cremation grounds. Now, the government is taking such initiatives forward, she added.
Banerjee also directed police officials to ensure pedestrian safety and prevent road accidents. She specifically instructed DGP Rajeev Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma to remain vigilant in this regard.
Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh
