VIP security is important. No one denies that public representatives and dignitaries require protection. However, an important question remains: should the lives of ordinary citizens come to a standstill for 30–40 minutes every time a VIP convoy passes?

Recently, I witnessed a road being completely blocked while people waited for a VIP movement. Hundreds of vehicles stood still under the scorching heat. Among them were office-goers rushing to work, daily wage earners trying to earn their livelihood, and delivery executives from platforms like Zomato and Zepto. Many of these delivery partners were taking photographs and videos of the traffic stoppage as proof because customers often complain about delayed deliveries. In many cases, delayed orders can lead to poor ratings, penalties, or deductions in earnings.

What struck me even more was a school bus filled with primary school children waiting at the crossing. While the children sat patiently, one can only imagine the concern of parents who were expecting their children to arrive on time. A delay of a few minutes may not seem significant, but when the wait stretches to half an hour or more, anxiety naturally increases.

The issue is not about opposing security arrangements. Every citizen understands the need for safety. The real concern is proportionality. Is it fair that thousands of people lose valuable time, income, and peace of mind for a convoy that passes within a few minutes? Can better planning, alternative routes, or shorter traffic stoppages be implemented to reduce inconvenience to the public?

A democracy functions on the principle that every citizen matters. The time of a delivery worker, a school child, a parent, and an employee is equally valuable. Security should be ensured, but not at the cost of unnecessarily disrupting the lives of those who keep our cities running every day.

Perhaps it is time to rethink the so-called VIP culture and find a balance between security and public convenience. After all, a truly people-centric system should protect both its leaders and its citizens.