Bengaluru: Opposition Leader R. Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Congress government of plunging Karnataka's public transport corporations into a deep financial crisis, asserting that the Shakti free travel scheme had severely undermined the system's stability. In a statement shared on social media platform X, the senior BJP leader directly targeted Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh.
Ashoka claimed the state government owed the transport corporations a staggering Rs 5,651.24 crore for reimbursements related to the free travel provided to women under the Shakti scheme. He further alleged that the four state-run corporations had accumulated loans totaling Rs 9,723.99 crore.
Breaking down the debt, Ashoka specified outstanding liabilities: KSRTC faces Rs 2,183.49 crore, BMTC Rs 1,068.90 crore, KKRTC Rs 1,045.95 crore, and NWKRTC Rs 1,352.90 crore. Beyond these, the corporations grapple with Rs 2,658.18 crore in employees' provident fund dues, Rs 538.18 crore owed to retired personnel, and Rs 1,053.88 crore in pending diesel payments.
The BJP leader contended that the corporations now lack funds for essential purchases like diesel and spare parts, or even to disburse salaries and retirement benefits. He questioned the government's accountability to both the public and transport employees for pushing these vital services into a debt trap.
Ashoka also criticised Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, accusing him of prioritizing 'photo-shoot drama' and 'sudden visits to bus stands' over addressing the severe financial challenges. He emphasised that financial strength comes from money owed, not from publicity stunts. Additionally, Ashoka highlighted the government's delayed implementation of smart cards for public transport users, calling out unfulfilled assurances.
Demanding immediate action, Ashoka urged the state government to release the pending Rs 5,651 crore reimbursement to the corporations. He warned against turning transport employees' families into 'paupers for political interests' and threatened strong BJP protests in support of employees should the government fail to respond.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News