Despite former chief minister SM Krishna’s genteel request to Congress leaders not to cause inconvenience to Bangaloreans during the grand welcome for him, enthusiastic party workers in a 100-car convoy threw the traffic out of gear on the busy Bangalore International Airport road during the peak hour on Friday evening.
The police had to resort to a mild lathicharge at the airport when overenthusiastic Congress workers vied against one another to greet Krishna who seemed to be enjoying every bit of it.
Thousands of people gathered at the airport under the leadership of staunch Krishna loyalists DK Shivakumar, RV Devaraj and MLA NA Harris. The supporters went overzealous as Krishna landed at BIA from Delhi. As soon as he stepped out of the exit terminal, Congressmen cheered their leader and screamed slogans, hailing him as the supreme leader of the party.
Krishna took half an hour to reach the vehicle which was supposed to carry him to his residence. Police had to quell the frenzied mob, which was not giving way for the veteran leader, by resorting to a mild lathicharge.
As soon as Krishna started his journey towards the city, as many as hundred cars and other vehicles and bikes belonging to Congress leaders, followed him.
From Yelahanka, Krishna started waving at the crowd by standing in an open-top car. He was flanked by Shivakumar, Devaraj and Harris. As soon as the people saw the leaders waving at them, they began to pile up on either side of the road.
The show brought traffic from BIA towards the city to a grinding halt. The road was cleared till Sadashivanagar and vegetable and flower vendors along the stretch were chased down by the traffic police to clear the way for Krishna.
The carnival began to move at a snail’s pace once the leaders started waving at the crowd. By the time it reached Hebbal, the other way from city towards BIA was also choked.
