Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Mar 21: The Karnataka State Private Bus Owners’ Association has announced that it will not participate in the state-wide bandh, ensuring that bus services will continue as usual across all districts.

Speaking to the media, Association President Kuilady Suresh Nayak stated, “We morally support the cause behind the bandh, but we have decided not to halt bus services to avoid inconveniencing the public, especially students appearing for exams.”

“There are 6,000 private buses operating across 17 districts, including Udupi, Mangaluru, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Madikeri, Mandya, Tumakuru, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar. However, we have never stopped services, even in difficult times,” he said.

Expressing solidarity with the Kannada cause, Nayak emphasized that public service takes precedence over profit considerations. “Buses are not just a business; they are a service,” he stated, reiterating their unwavering support for Kannada and Karnataka.

The association also condemned the attack on a bus conductor, asserting that violence is unacceptable. “While we support the bandh in principle, we do not believe in disrupting public life,” Nayak concluded.