BJP Kerala State President Kummanam Rajashekaran has been slapped with a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh as two vehicles registered under his name were booked for over speeding. The two cars together have exceeded the speed limit a staggering 97 times, said to be among the highest such violations in the state. According to SouthLive, the information was revealed by RTI officer Archana Sadashivan of Transport Commissionerate in response to a Right to Information application filed by activist CS Shanavaz.
As per the norms of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), the driver of the vehicle and the owner are fined Rs 400 and Rs 300 respectively for the first violation. The amount increases, with the repetition of the offence, to Rs 1,000 for the driver and Rs 500 for the owner.
The BJP leader will now have shell out Rs 1.5 lakh as fine to the MVD for repeated incidents of over speeding by the two cars, report various sources.
The violations committed are eligible for annulment of license and the lapse in collecting the fine so far is a grievous fault in the part of the MVD authorities, said CS Shanavaz. The activist has decided to approach the court against the authorities.
On the other hand, the RTI officer in the Thiruvananthapuram regional transport office has responded stating that action has been taken to address the issue, reported South Live.
As news about the speeding cars got reported, social media users had a field day trolling the BJP leader through posts and memes.
In a meme that appeared on the International Chalu Union’s FB page, we see Dr Sunny of Manichithrathazhu fame depicted as Kummanam. And in the character’s iconic dialogue, he says, “I might travel through roads that have not been taken by anyone else to solve the problems of the people of Kerala. I may overstep some rules, but it is all for my people”.
Another meme that appeared on the Facebook page Entertainment Hub, the public is seen quizzing Kummanam. The questions go like this: “Are you a central minister? Kummanam answers ‘no’. An MLA? He says ‘no’. Are you at least a panchayat member? As he says ‘no’, the public thunders, “Then why did you travel in such alarming speed? Were you in labour or what?!’’
Another meme used the term "Kummanadi" to take a dig at the BJP chief by suggesting that he might have snuck past traffic signals. The term "Kummanadi" was coined when Kummanam Rajasekharan went on board the Kochi metro during its inaugural ride, despite his name not being in the list of dignitaries invited for the event.
This one reads: "I am in a hurry to make things right in this state. So might miss a signal or two!"