Bhopal, June 25 -- E-rickshaws are the latest to be blamed for the state capital's traffic mess. But this isn't new. The city has long held the poor responsible for its chaos - and in doing so, quietly swept democracy to the kerbside.
First, it was tongas. Later, it was the cyclists, the noisy Bhatsuar tempos, and ageing minibuses. Every time Bhopal's streets choked, the finger pointed downward - at those with the fewest choices, the lowest incomes, and the least power to defend themselves.
Earlier this month, the administration banned these battery-operated vehicles from major roads. They must now operate in colonies and lanes, far from where commuters actually are. The reasoning? To decongest city traffic.
But in truth, this isn't abou...