Patna: Vehicles belonging to leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were fined for parking in a no-parking zone outside the party’s office on Beerchand Patel Marg in Patna on Thursday. The incident occurred during a membership campaign program, where a long convoy of vehicles blocked traffic, causing a jam. Patna’s newly appointed Traffic SP Aparajit Lohan arrived at the scene and issued fines to the offending vehicles.
The RJD was quick to criticize the government’s action, accusing the traffic department of targeting them unfairly. Shakti Singh Yadav, RJD’s chief spokesperson, said, “RJD’s membership campaign was underway, and even the Leader of Opposition was present. The fines were issued under instructions from BJP and CM Office. The rules should be followed by all.” He further pointed out that vehicles are often parked outside the BJP and JD(U) offices without similar consequences. “If this isn’t the abuse of power, what is? RJD will release videos of ruling party programs showing violations daily. We will follow the rules but won’t stay silent on biased enforcement.”
In response, Traffic SP Aparajit Lohan maintained that the action was impartial and not politically motivated. “We will take action against any party’s vehicles parked illegally. Common people had complained to us, and if violations occur during BJP’s events, action will be taken there too. Even officials’ vehicles will not be spared if they are parked wrongly.”
Lohan emphasized the importance of keeping Beerchand Patel Marg clear, noting it is a four-lane road often reduced to two lanes due to illegal parking, leading to frequent traffic congestion and inconvenience to the public. “We issued fines for 15-20 vehicles today. We’re also addressing other traffic complaints in main areas and will soon visit Bihta where similar issues have been reported. Fines will be issued for any vehicle parked in no-parking zones, even during wedding events.”
