Netas fish in Pushkaram waters

RAJAHMUNDRY: Bend the rules and thrive, seems to be the credo of some politicians. And they are at work at the once-in-a-dozen-years Pushkaram gala as well.
Bitter enemies they might be in the Assembly, but when it comes to pulling strings and getting things done for pressure groups, their hues merge and they show identical traits.
Here’s a case in point.The Rajahmundry administration decreed that buses would not be allowed within the city limits during the Pushkarams. But the bus owners’ guild lobbied with some local politicians who got the order annulled. Consequence: Private buses are adding to the chaos on the roads and are charging steep rates from passengers.
Similarly, autorickshaw services were to be allowed only on designated routes as per the pre-Pushkaram traffic plans. Here too, the auto unions affiliated to both the Congress and the TDP got into the act and swung a decision in their favour. The pre-Pushkaram traffic plan was junked and autos got the right to ply all across the city.
Politicos threw their weight behind the cribbing auto unions, but when commuters complained that they were being fleeced, none of them was to be seen. When the police stepped in to check the menace, it was dubbed political vendetta. And, there was more to do. Many politicians swung shop and stall deals for their favourites.
The administration, meanwhile, struggled to keep up a semblance of order. Passes were issued to volunteers and doctors to help them discharge their duties. The move backfired and most pass holders began using these to flout rules with impunity.