Odd-Even Take 2: BJP Cries Stunt, Arvind Kejriwal Says Sabotage

Around 1,300 people were caught violating the rule the first day of the Odd Even rule yesterday and
 fined. (PTI photo)

NEW DELHI:  As Delhi gives a second shot to its Odd-Even car rationing scheme, the heat on the streets is more than just because of the searing April sun.

For the second time this year, a war of words has broken out between the Opposition BJP and Chief Minister Arvind Kerjiwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the formula that allows cars of odd and even numbers on alternate days - in a bid to reduce pollution and congestion.

Vijay Goel, the chief of the BJP in Delhi, has called the scheme, which catapulted Mr Kejriwal to Fortune magazine's list of 50 greatest leaders in the world, a mere photo op and a publicity stunt.

"Arvind Kejriwal only wants to spend on people's tax money for propaganda and he is not interested in reducing pollution and traffic," Mr Goel said today.

Lashing out at Odd-Even posters plastered across Delhi that show a smiling Mr Kejriwal urging people to follow the rules, the BJP leader had said on Monday that he would violate them just as a mark of protest.