Daijiworld Media Network - Chikkaballapura

Chikkaballapura, Jun 28: An ambulance that was stuck behind JD(S) president and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda’s convoy and a rally by JD(S) party workers in Chikkaballapura has triggered a controversy with regard to VVIP vehicles being given more importance than emergency services.

However, JD(S) spokesperson as well as Chikkaballapura police have come in defense of the former PM, but with conflicting versions of the incident.

On Tuesday, Deve Gowda and Nirmalanada Swami garlanded the statue of Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda at around 10.30 am. After which, the 84 year old Former PM was assisted to the vehicle. A huge crowd gathered to see Gowda off, and that is when the ambulance got stuck.

The ambulance proceeding towards the Chikkaballapura district hospital from Sidlaghatta was carrying a newborn child and its mother. The ambulance was forced to wait for a little time, till the people cleared.

According to Chikkaballapura Superintendent of Police (SP), Karthik Reddy, the procession was taking place on the right side of the road, while the left side was kept clear for smooth traffic movement. However, the ambulance driver entered the right side and was unable to turn the vehicle as a tractor came in the way. Deve Gowda asked his driver to move his vehicle forward to make way for the ambulance. The entire delay was not more than a minute, he added.

Meanwhile, Deve Gowda in a TV interview said that he has not seen the ambulance.

JD(S) spokesperson Ramesh Babu said that Devegowda was not aware of the ambulance and he should not be blamed as he attending a programme as a chief guest. It was the responsibility of the State Police to provide way for the ambulance on priority. It is their failure, he said.

A similar incident had happened in Bengaluru last week. However, the cops were appreciated for their presence of mind as they allowed the ambulance to pass before President Pranab Mukherjee’s convoy.