‘Ambulances stuck, roads frozen’: Actor-turned-MP Jaya Bachchan’s attack on VIP culture

New Delhi: Jaya Bachchan, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Samajwadi Party, on March 23 highlighted the growing issue of traffic disruptions caused by VIP movements across the country, calling for urgent intervention to address the inconvenience faced by citizens.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Bachchan said that roadblocks and traffic diversions linked to the movement of politicians, senior officials, and dignitaries have become a routine problem affecting daily life. She stressed that such disruptions inconvenience not just the general public but also emergency services.

Concerns over public inconvenience

Bachchan pointed out that people often face long delays due to sudden road closures and diversions imposed for VIP convoys. She noted that even ambulances are not exempt, raising serious concerns about public safety and access to urgent medical care.

Drawing from her own experience, she said that she had travelled widely but had not seen similar practices elsewhere. According to her, while VIP security exists globally, it rarely results in stopping or blocking the movement of ordinary citizens to such an extent.

The MP also recounted a recent incident within the Parliament complex. She said that Rajya Sabha members exiting through Shardula Dwar were stopped because the main gate was closed due to a VIP movement.

Expressing her dissatisfaction, she described the situation as unprecedented in her parliamentary career. She remarked that elected representatives should not be treated as potential security threats, especially within Parliament premises.

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Call to end VIP culture practices

Bachchan further highlighted that certain roads near the residences of influential political figures remain blocked for extended periods, adding to the inconvenience faced by commuters.

She urged C. P. Radhakrishnan, who was presiding over the House, to take up the issue with the government. Emphasising accountability, she stated that such practices undermine the dignity of taxpayers who elect representatives to serve them.

The concerns raised bring renewed attention to the broader debate around VIP culture in India, particularly its impact on public mobility and emergency response. Frequent traffic halts for VIP convoys have long been criticised for disrupting urban life, especially in major cities.

Bachchan’s remarks are likely to add pressure on authorities to review existing security protocols and find a balance between ensuring safety and minimising inconvenience to the public.