In a dramatic turn of events, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray took matters into his own hands, confronting toll booth workers at the Khalapur toll plaza on the Mumbai Pune highway. The incident, which unfolded on a Sunday evening, saw Thackeray visibly upset by the extensive traffic congestion, including an ambulance stranded in the gridlock, during his return from an event in Pune’s Pimpri Chinchwad.
The confrontational episode, captured in a viral video circulating widely on the internet, revealed Thackeray’s assertive stance in dealing with the longstanding issue of traffic jams at toll booths. The video depicted Thackeray and his party workers disembarking from their vehicles, marching towards the toll booth, and ordering the removal of all vehicles, including the stranded ambulance, without toll charges.
Thackeray, known for his strong leadership style, addressed toll booth workers sternly, expressing his dissatisfaction with the prolonged traffic jams that had become synonymous with these toll plazas. The incident occurred around 7 PM, and the video showcased Thackeray’s direct involvement in resolving the situation.
In the footage, Thackeray can be heard issuing a stern warning in Marathi, “If you don’t improve, we will handle it in the MNS style with bamboo… Such a long traffic jam is here at the toll booth… An ambulance is not visible in it.” This bold statement reflects Thackeray’s determination to ensure that emergency services, like ambulances, are not hindered by the notorious toll booth traffic snarls.
The video has sparked discussions about the role of political leaders in addressing civic issues directly. While some applaud Thackeray’s hands-on approach, others question the appropriateness of handling such matters outside the established bureaucratic channels. The incident also sheds light on the persistent challenges faced by commuters due to traffic congestion at toll plazas, prompting a renewed call for systematic reforms.
As the video continues to circulate on social media platforms, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the discourse around toll booth management and the role of political leaders in addressing everyday civic challenges. Raj Thackeray’s bold move has certainly added a new chapter to the ongoing saga of traffic troubles on Indian highways.
Surjitt Sahani
