VIP culture hurts citizens, MPs: Jaya Bachchan

March 23, 2026

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan on Monday strongly criticised the prevailing VIP culture in the country, stating that it disrupts the daily lives of citizens and undermines the dignity of both the public and elected representatives.

Strong remarks in Rajya Sabha

Speaking during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Jaya Bachchan highlighted how VIP movement often leads to roadblocks, traffic disruptions, and inconvenience for common people. She pointed out that such practices create unnecessary hardships, especially for those who rely on public infrastructure for their daily commute.

The veteran parliamentarian stressed that governance should be people-centric and not driven by privilege, adding that such practices send a wrong message in a system like India.

Impact on dignity and equality

Bachchan underlined that VIP culture not only affects ordinary citizens but also impacts Members of Parliament. She remarked that excessive security arrangements and preferential treatment create a divide between representatives and the people they serve.

According to her, this divide goes against the spirit of equality enshrined in the Constitution, as elected representatives are meant to work for the people rather than appear distant or privileged.

Call for systemic change

The MP urged authorities to take concrete steps to curb VIP culture and ensure smoother public movement. She suggested that better planning and minimal disruption strategies should be adopted during official movements, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion is already a major concern.

Her remarks come amid growing public debate over the relevance of VIP privileges in a modern democracy, where transparency and accessibility are increasingly emphasised.

Recurring issue in public discourse

VIP culture has long been a contentious issue in India, with concerns raised over the use of red beacons, special lanes, and heavy security convoys. While several measures have been taken in recent years to reduce such privileges, critics argue that ground-level implementation still falls short.

Bachchan’s comments have once again brought the issue into focus, especially in the context of urban mobility and citizens’ rights.

Balancing security and public convenience

While acknowledging the need for security arrangements for high-profile individuals, Bachchan emphasised that such measures should not come at the cost of public convenience. She called for a balanced approach that ensures safety without causing undue disruption to everyday life.

Her intervention reflects broader concerns about governance practices and the need to align them with democratic values and public expectations.