A visitor to Ayodhya this week got a taste of things to come. Their car was stopped by the police as they turned from the highway to enter the city. The state’s law minister Brijesh Pathak was visiting Ayodhya, he was told. Till the minister’s motorcade returned, no movement would be allowed. A policeman with a knowing smile informed that the minister, Brijesh Pathak, has just received Z category security in November.When the minister finally emerged from Hanumangarhi and his carcade sped past the waiting queue of pilgrims, the visitor counted 36 cars in the motorcade painted in uniform colour and with uniform lettering indicating elections are round the corner. The minister apparently had gone to the temple to pay obeisance and seek blessings before venturing out on the poll campaign. Such vehicles are now a common sight in Uttar Pradesh, the visitor from outside the state found out. Out of curiosity, the visitor asked policemen if rules permitted such colours and whether special permission is given. They admitted that any change in registered vehicles can be done only after obtaining permission from the RTO under the Motor Vehicles Act. The law in fact prescribes a fine of Rs. 5,000 to Rs.10,000 for making changes. Nor can private vehicles be used for commercial (political?) purposes.(This article was first published in National Herald on Sunday)Also Read: Night curfew returns in Uttar Pradesh
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