Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reprimanded Deputy Commissioner Nagaon on Saturday for causing a traffic jam on National Highway 37 near Gumothagaon by stopping traffic for him.
He noted during a press briefing that over 15 minutes had passed since the traffic jam caused long delays for ambulances and therefore he was bound to reprimand the DC.
I reprimanded officials for halting traffic for me, despite their clear directions not to create inconvenience for people during my visit. For over 15 minutes, ambulances were also blocked on the NH. VIP culture is unacceptable today, the CM said.
When the Chief Minister calls for the Superintendent of Police, he is seen walking down the road surrounded by his bodyguards.
The CM notices the DC of Nagaon and asks him, “Arrey DC saab yeh kya natak hain, kyu gari rukwaye hain? Koi Raja maharaja aa raha hai kya?” (DC, what theatrics are you doing, why have you stopped all the cars? Are any kings coming?)
Sarma clarified later during a media briefing that “this VIP culture is not acceptable in Assam today.”.
It is commendable work that can be done by a chief minister of any state. Rules should be equally applied to everyone regardless of their position. The Assam chief minister showed that VIP culture shouldn’t be encouraged.
