Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Minister Prathipati Pulla Reddy's wife, P V Kumari, got into an argument with the staffers at the Kaza highway toll plaza near Mangalagiri on Friday when they refused to let her vehicle pass unless she paid the toll fee. A video of the same has been shared online, and it shows Kumari arguing that the car has an MLA sticker and should be allowed to pass through.
Kumari says that the toll staff are creating a scene and having an unnecessary argument despite her car having an MLA sticker. However, a toll staffer says that only the MLA is an exception – that is, the MLA has to be present in the vehicle for it to be given a free pass.
"We are not making any arguments, it is you who is making arguments. Why should we give free ticket? You are not an MLA. You are not eligible, only MLA can get free access. You ought to pay the amount and leave," the toll booth staffer retorts.
#AndhraPradesh- Minister and Chilkalurupet MLA P.Pulla Rao’s wife argues at toll gate on being asked to pay toll. She questions them how can an MLA’s wife be stopped and asked for toll. Just a reminder- toll exemption is only for public representatives. #AP #TDP #YSRCP pic.twitter.com/g9yGelVUnT
— Rishika Sadam (@RishikaSadam) May 18, 2019
In most cases, cars with MLC, MLA, or MP sticker get a VIP free pass with or without the dignitaries being present. But in this incident, the toll staff were firm on their stance, despite Kumari being the wife of a cabinet minister.
According to reports, Kumari made her husband’s PA call the toll management staff to give her clearance. However, the staff did not budge. Finally, Kumari reportedly had to pay the toll tax, and left the venue.
In a similar incident which took place last year in December, Denduluru MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar had an altercation with the staff of the same toll booth.
Prabhakar who was travelling in his car with his family was denied toll exemption as his vehicle had neither the registration nor the MLA sticker. The staff refused to provide let him pass without paying the toll fee, the agitated MLA abandoned his car on the road and took a RTC bus to reach his destination.
He later complained to National Highways Authority of India authorities. The toll staff later apologised for causing inconvenience to the MLA.