Bengaluru: Traffic violations by Karnataka’s top two leaders have sparked a storm of criticism in a city already battling road chaos. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have both been caught flouting rules, raising questions on whether those in power lead by example.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s official vehicle was flagged seven times by the Intelligent Traffic Management System since January. Six violations were for not wearing a seat belt, while one involved speeding on the Kempegowda International Airport Express Corridor. The fines, reduced by 50 percent under government policy, amounted to Rs 2,500 and were promptly paid. Road safety activists, however, argue the repeated infractions by the state’s top executive send a damaging message to the public.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar invited even sharper scrutiny. On August 5, he posted a video of himself riding a Honda Dio scooter during an inspection of the Hebbal flyover loop. Soon after, the opposition JD(S) revealed that the scooter had 34 pending violations worth Rs 18,500. Police records confirmed the claim. Although Shivakumar clarified the scooter was not his personal property, the incident became political ammunition and a source of public ridicule.
Citizens say these episodes reflect double standards. While ordinary motorists face immediate penalties, VIP lapses often turn into spectacles rather than enforcement. “We settle fines right away. When leaders break rules, it becomes entertainment,” a Bengaluru software engineer remarked.
Observers warn the controversies risk undermining government credibility. With nearly 10,000 accidents reported in the city last year, activists stress that leaders must demonstrate discipline in road use. For now, the violations have shifted public debate from traffic safety to political accountability. The central question remains: if leaders dismiss basic rules, how will the public be persuaded to follow them?
