Persuading Karnataka Congress government to lift night traffic curbs priority of locals: Priyanka Gandhi

Easing of a decade-long ban on night traffic through Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka is among the key demands dominating AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's byelection campaign in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala.

Both Rahul Gandhi and his sister made sure they resonated with the local sentiment in every interaction and at campaign rallies. Locals believe that only the Gandhi scions have the political muscle to influence a decision in their favour with the Congress-run Karnataka government.



Aware of this, Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, too, spoke on the issue in Wayanad on Saturday, promising voters about taking a call. Vadra, he said, discussed the subject with chief minister Siddaramaiah and himself on giving relief to people from the current nine-hour traffic ban. Officials from both Karnataka and Kerala will meet and discuss the issue after the November 13 bypoll, the Dy CM said in his speech.


Lifting the ban was among the most vocal demands of the locals to Vadra, who is contesting the bypoll as the UDF candidate. Residents of all seven assembly segments spread across three districts in the Wayanad LS constituency would benefit from lifting of the curbs, locals say.

Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady, the two border taluks in Wayanad, are connected through Bandipur and Kakanakote forests, respectively, in Karnataka. Both forests don't allow vehicles at night.