Asserting that the odd-even scheme by the Delhi government was doing nothing but causing inconvenience to the commuters, Former chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday accused her successor Arvind Kejriwal of heavily publicising the scheme in a blatant attempt to fool the public into believing that the formula was a raging success.
"I really don't see any benefit here. This is nothing, but inconvenience. They should have gone ahead with the programme only if they honestly thought it was a success. They should also ensure adequate transportation to people, which is not there right now. Half of the buses are broken down, how are people supposed to travel now," Dikshit told ANI here.
She further accused Kejriwal of going out of his way to publicise the scheme, saying that the Chief Minister was trying to make the scheme sound like a one of a kind, never heard before formula.
"They have publicised this to make it sound like it is out of this world and they have tried to create such an impression, but it's clearly not working," Dikshit added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijender Gupta told ANI that the Delhi government was not proving anything by implementing the formula only for 15 days and asserted that the odd even scheme was not a permanent solution to the national capital's traffic woes.
"The government's aim through this programme is not clear. This is all just a waste of effort and time and it's not even a permanent solution. It's just a time pass by the government. The people are saying that they might have to buy another vehicle if this continues," Gupta said.
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Meanwhile, with the second phase of the odd even scheme having begun in the national capital from today, Kejriwal called on the people to ensure that the formula is a resounding success.
"Odd even starts today. Let's all join hands and resolve to make it a success," Kejriwal Tweeted.
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Derek O' Brien wished Kejriwal luck for the successful implementation of the scheme.
"Rise & Shine #Delhi. Good luck @ArvindKejriwal & team for Chapter Two #oddeven Do what it takes," Brien tweeted.
The Delhi Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) have announced extra trains and buses to cope up with the rise in commuters opting for public transport.
Kejriwal, earlier this week, said that the public transport needs to be strengthened before implementing the scheme on a regular basis.
According to the scheme, cars whose registration numbers end with even numbers would be off roads on even dates, while those cars with odd registration numbers would be off roads on odd dates.
The scheme will be in operation from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening. However, the scheme will not apply on Sundays.
The VIPs, women drivers, CNG-certified vehicles, two-wheelers and those carrying the differently-abled are exempted from the scheme.
However, the exemption will not apply to Delhi Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues as they have decided to abide by the rule.
Those found violating the scheme will be penalised with a fine of Rs. 2,000.
Around 5000 civil defence volunteers will be at various traffic intersections carrying placards explaining the rules to motorists.
