: Former Delhi BJP president Vijay Goel on Monday became the first politician to violate the restrictions of the odd-even scheme.
Mr. Goel was issued a consolidated fine of Rs. 3,500 — Rs. 2,000 for driving an odd-numbered car on an even date, Rs.1,000 for not having renewed his insurance and Rs. 500 for not carrying a driver’s licence.
The BJP Rajya Sabha MP said he took the step in protest of the Delhi government spending an exorbitant amount on subtly promoting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal through ads for the scheme.
The 62-year-old had announced his decision to violate odd-even restrictions well in advance.
Transport Minister Gopal Rai called on him at his Ashoka Road residence early on Monday offering him a rose and asking him to reconsider.
Mr. Goel, who gave Mr. Rai a bouquet of roses in return, broke the restriction en route the Parliament.
Mr. Goel said his protest was against political “posturing” by the AAP government under the garb of advertising the scheme. He added that he was in favour of any “endeavour that reduces pollution and congestion.”
Mr. Rai termed Mr. Goel’s decision “a pity”. He added that the government had no qualms about spending more on advertising a scheme that aimed at the greater good of the citizens of the Capital.
BJP attacks Sisodia
The BJP, meanwhile, attacked Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia for using a “Uttar Pradesh registered even-numbered car, not registered in his name, to travel in Delhi on Monday”.
Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay said Mr. Sisodia had undertaken an “Act of Jugaad” and exposed the “dual games” of the Kejriwal government.
“This Innova Car No. UP14 CR 8276 is registered in the name of Smt. Seema Sahani of Ghaziabad, the native place of Mr. Sisodia, and was seen for the whole day in Secretariat premises,” Mr. Upadhyay said.
