Rajkot MLAs meet MoS Sanghavi seeking relief in mandatory helmet enforcement drive

Rajkot: A day after the Rajkot police launched an enforcement drive making helmets mandatory for two-wheelers on Monday, widespread public outrage ensued. Today, three BJP MLAs of the city, Uday Kangad, Rameshbhai Tilala, and Darshita Shah, met with Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, requesting that instead of penalizing people, citizens should be encouraged to wear helmets through awareness campaigns.

Addressing the media, MLA Kangad said, “MoS Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi has assured us that people will be encouraged to wear helmets not through fines, but by creating awareness and educating citizens about the importance of wearing helmets.”

The strict enforcement of the helmet rule sparked widespread protests in Rajkot on Monday. Citizens’ groups, industry bodies, lawyers, and political parties vocally demanded a delay in implementation, citing various concerns. Protesters argued that helmets are unnecessary on congested city roads, could aggravate health issues like asthma and hypertension, and that road maintenance should take priority over helmet compliance. Some staged symbolic protests by wearing cooking pots on their heads, while others mocked the rule, claiming helmets could even cause baldness.

Meanwhile, on the first day of strict enforcement, around 2,600 challans were issued, collecting Rs 12.5 lakh in fines. DCP (Traffic) Harpalsinh Jadeja stated, “We remain committed to enforcing the law. Last week, 700 police personnel participated in a helmet parade to raise awareness, and over 3,000 helmets were distributed, particularly to students. We urge public cooperation.” DeshGujarat