Thane: The Thane district, which has 3 MPs and 20 MLAs, witnesses a surge in cars displaying MP and MLA stickers, often used to evade tolls and exert influence. Even with some tolls shut down, vehicles covered in stickers thrive, indicating a longing for “glamour.” In Thane City, vehicles displaying these stickers, usually authorised for elected officials under government rules, have become more prevalent.
These stickers were given out by the Legislative Secretariat at the start of assembly sessions; however, their misuse has increased, with stickers now observed on numerous unauthorised vehicles.
The practice of showcasing these stickers appears to have declined lately due to the lack of local corporators after their five-year term ended. The Deputy Commissioner of Police for Thane’s Traffic Branch, Pankaj Shirsat, recognised the problem and vowed to act once more information is collected.
Furthermore, automobiles displaying the Ashoka Pillar, designated for constitutional officials, are often seen on Thane's streets, sparking worries about their misuse to sway people in rural areas. Although police and RTO officials have the authority to inspect these vehicles, enforcement is weak, leading to a rise in sticker-covered vehicles.
Demands for regulatory actions have surged among law enforcement and transportation officials, emphasizing the importance of tackling this escalating problem. The region's high population density and importance for security, due to the proximity of military and ammunition installations, heighten worries about possible infiltration enabled by counterfeit stickers. This scenario prompts significant inquiries about responsibility in ensuring safety in the context of abused political emblems
