Vadodara’s Dark Reality: Accidents, Drugs, and the Erosion of Humanity in a City Divided by Wealth and Power

Once celebrated as the cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara is now grappling with a disturbing transformation. The city, known for its rich heritage and vibrant traditions, has become a hotspot for accidents fuelled by drugs, alcohol, and the reckless driving of luxury cars. Behind these incidents lies a deeper malaise: a systemic bias that protects the rich and powerful while leaving the middle and poor classes to suffer.

In recent months, Vadodara has witnessed a surge in accidents involving luxury vehicles, often driven by affluent youths under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These incidents have raised serious questions about the accountability of the city’s administration, police, and political class. Shockingly, in many cases, the victims are middle-class or poor citizens, while the perpetrators—backed by wealth and influence—escape unscathed, both legally and morally.

Residents of Vadodara are increasingly vocal about the blatant inequality in the application of the law. “The value of a middle-class or poor life is zero in this city,” said a local activist, who wished to remain anonymous. “The law always protects the rich because money speaks, not the truth. The police, politicians, and even the press seem to be complicit in this injustice.” Allegations of corruption within the police force and administration have further eroded public trust. It is widely believed that rates are “fixed” by IAS and IPS officers to manipulate evidence and alter facts in favor of the wealthy. “If a rich family’s son kills someone, they just need to spend some money to get away with it. The entire system supports them because everyone is asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’” said a frustrated resident.

Another pressing concern is the rampant availability of drugs, particularly among college-going students. “How do young boys get access to drugs so easily? Why is no action taken against those responsible?” questioned a parent whose son was recently involved in a drug-related accident. The city’s CCTV cameras, installed to ensure safety, are reportedly mismanaged and rarely monitored. “Why are these cameras not observed daily? Why is no action taken against drivers who flout traffic laws?” asked another citizen. The people of Vadodara are demanding more than just accountability—they are pleading for a return to humanity, ethics, and moral values. “I want to buy humanity, principles, and morals for this city. But where do I find them?” lamented a local shopkeeper. The ruling party, often accused of prioritizing media management over governance, has been criticized for its lack of empathy and action. “The humanity is missing in Vadodara. The city has become a playground for the rich and corrupt,” said a young protester. The citizens of Vadodara are directing tough questions at their political leaders, many of whom have been in power for over three decades. “Why has Vadodara become a city of accidents and injustice? Why are the rich allowed to break the law while the poor suffer? Is the law only for the middle and lower classes?” asked a group of activists during a recent protest.

In a heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a resident asked, “Modiji, citizen of vadodara demanding too much? Citizen of Vadodara just want Vadodara to be a city of humanity, ethics, principles, values, and morals. Is that too much to ask for?”

Vadodara stands at a crossroads. The city’s cultural legacy is being overshadowed by corruption, inequality, and a lack of accountability. The need of the hour is for the administration, police, and political class to prioritize the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their economic status. Only then can Vadodara reclaim its title as a city of culture and humanity. As the cries for justice grow louder, one thing is clear: the people of Vadodara will no longer remain silent. They are demanding change, and they are demanding it now. The question is, will those in power listen?