The red beacon light atop VIP cars was a symbol of a clear-cut division between the ruler and the ruled. It conferred special privileges on those elected to rule. It was much sought after by any and everyone who was in power or close to the corridors of power. Its abolition by the Center is a strong assertion of democratic equality. The Modi government was not the first to do it, though. That privilege goes to the Aam Aadmi Party government in New Delhi. It was followed by the Amarinder Singh and Yogi Adityanath governments in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh and with the Modi government following suit, all State governments will have to fall in line. The red light is just one of the many privileges that VIPs enjoy and though the lights may have gone those privileges still remain. VIPs will continue to move in convoys with blaring sirens much to the chagrin and annoyance of common citizens who have to put up with traffic jams and badly organized streets and roads. This practice of extending special treatment to VIPs is the reason why reforms are slow in the coming. If for instance all VIPs were deprived of their drivers and sirens wouldn’t they work harder at re-organising traffic and enforce all the laws, if only so that they can reach their destinations faster? India will change only when its VIPs become common citizens.
