Belagavi: Members cutting across party lines unitedly raised their voice against the 'illtreatment' meted out to them at toll plazas across the state and wanted the state government to take action against plazas which were refusing to allow VVIP (legislator) vehicles and ambulances to move free of cost. Raising the issue during question hour in the Legislative Council, Mr Chowdareddy Tupalli of JD(S) brought to the notice of PWD Minister Dr H.C. Mahadevappa the harassment he had to face at several toll plazas despite disclosing his identity. He said no action had been taken against erring toll plaza staff despite bringing it to the notice of principal secretary, Mr Laxminarayan.
He claimed that toll plaza employees on Devanahalli road tried to assault him for asking them to allow him to go without paying the prescribed fee as legislators were exempted from toll payment. This was happening due to lack of special toll free plazas for VVIPs and ambulances, he said. Dr Mahadevappa claimed that his department officials had held a meeting last month by inviting owners of toll plazas to ensure that all terms and conditions fixed by the government at the time of awarding contract, were duly followed. Except on Bengaluru-Hassan national highway, a special entry/exit point had been created at all 33 toll plazas and two plazas set up by the state government. The construction of a separate gate for VVIPs/ambulances would be done soon on Bengaluru-Hassan highway, he added.
Dismissing the minister's claim, JD(S) floor leader Basavaraj Horatti said no action had been taken againstl toll plazas that collect toll from the MLAs and MLCs despite the exemption given by the government. He offered to resign if if his allegations were proved false.
