Minister Reddy alleges plot to ‘destroy’ Karnataka’s public transport system
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Tuesday accused vested interests of "attempting to destroy" the state’s public transport system.
Speaking to reporters, Reddy alleged that private company MoveInSync had organised a symposium featuring Bengaluru South BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, during which calls like "No more BMTC" and "No more monopoly" were made.
"Without ever travelling in public transport even for a single day or having any experience of it, Lok Sabha Members Tejasvi Surya and Mohandas Pai, who wrongly assume they are the solution-givers for all societal problems, have supported a private company named ‘MoveInSync’," Reddy said.
The minister said MoveInSync provides cars, shuttle buses, and transport arrangements to factories and companies on a rental basis, with "no public interest whatsoever", and questioned the "invisible hands" behind the company.
"At the symposium, giving a speech about BMTC saying 'No more BMTC' and 'No more monopoly' is a disgrace," he added.
Reddy noted that while conferences organised by reputed transport institutions allow for balanced discussion, private events tend to focus on criticising government systems.
"People who use BMTC buses the most are workers, employees, the poor, the underprivileged, and the middle class. The statements made by these individuals reflect their filthy and capitalist mindset towards these sections of society," the minister said.
Calling BMTC the "lifeline of Bengaluru", Reddy said the system serves 48 lakh people daily.
"The population of Bengaluru is estimated at 1.44 crore, and about one-third of the city’s residents use BMTC buses," he added.
Reddy emphasised that public transport is a core function of a welfare state, and the government must preserve, develop, and promote it.
"The statements made by these individuals reflect their filthy and capitalist mindset towards these sections of society. It is well known that Lok Sabha Members Tejasvi Surya and Mohandas Pai have always displayed intolerance, arrogance, and disdain towards the poor, the downtrodden, and the helpless," he said.
The minister accused private operators of viewing bus services purely as business ventures, running routes only where profit is guaranteed. "No public transport system in the world is run for profit. The assistance and facilities provided by the government to public transport are regarded as a service to the people," he said.
Citing the report Beyond Free Rides – 22 @ Sustainable Mobility Network, Reddy highlighted that free bus travel for women under the Shakti Yojana increased female employment by 23 per cent in Bengaluru and 21 per cent in Hubballi-Dharwad.
"Nineteen per cent of women have started going out of their homes to work, contributing to an increase in the state’s per capita income," he added.
Reddy also listed government achievements in public transport over the last two years and five months, including 10,000 recruitments, the addition of 5,800 buses to the fleet, construction of new depots and bus stations, and implementation of worker welfare schemes such as Rs 1 crore accident insurance and cashless medical facilities.
"If we observe transport systems across the country, our state stands as the best in providing transport services. The national average is 1.2 buses per 1,000 people," he said, adding that BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Odisha have fewer buses per 1,000 people.
"The idea of shutting down the public transport system is shocking, dangerous, and destructive. I strongly condemn this. It should not be ‘no more buses’, but ‘more and more buses’," Reddy said.
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Elderly Dalit woman cremated on road after family denied access to village cremation ground in Bihar
Vaishali: An elderly Dalit woman was cremated on a public road in Bihar’s Vaishali district after her family was allegedly prevented from using the village cremation ground, triggering outrage and tension in the area, The Observer Post reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Sontho Andhari village under the Goraul police station limits. The deceased, identified as Jhapki Devi (95), belonged to a Mahadalit family. According to locals and police, when her family tried to take her body to the cremation ground, some people blocked the route, leaving the family with no option but to perform the last rites on the road.
Family members and residents said the obstruction has been a long-standing issue. “Every time we take a body for cremation, the way is blocked. This has happened earlier too, but no permanent solution was given,” said a local resident from Manjhi Tola, expressing anger over repeated denial of access.
As tensions rose, the funeral procession stopped at Andhari Gachi Chowk, where the body was placed on a pyre in front of a Shiva temple and cremated on the road. Villagers alleged that the pathway connecting the main road to the cremation ground had been encroached upon by local landowners.
Police and administrative officials later reached the spot. A fire brigade vehicle was deployed to extinguish the pyre, and the road was cleaned after the cremation. Public representatives who arrived at the scene were reportedly chased away by protesting villagers, who accused the administration of ignoring their complaints for years.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag said the issue arose due to the absence of a clear path. “Earlier, there was a route to the cremation ground, but some people built a temple on that path. Due to the lack of access, the family carried out the cremation on the road,” he said. He added that discussions were held with local officials and that arrangements would be made to restore access to the cremation ground. “The situation is currently under control,” the SP said.
Block Development Officer Pankaj Kumar Nigam and Circle Officer Divya Chanchal said the area had been cleared and an inquiry was under way. “All aspects will be examined, and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” they said.
