Pics: Umesh Marapalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi

Udupi, Jul 7: The members of Udupi constituency Youth Congress Samiti staged protests on Thursday July 6 in front of Clock Tower against private bus owner’s association who have brought a stay order from the High Court against government JNNURM buses.

Addressing the protesters, Udupi block Congress secretary, Janardhan Bhandarkar said, “During the then transport minister, Oscar Fernandez buses were sanctioned to Udupi. But it was second hand buses. But the present minister brought new government buses in Udupi. Thus, the process got delayed.”

“The High Court has issued stay order against the operation of government buses for which new route permits have been issued. The government buses are providing good service and free for students (till 7th class) and pass for all aged students and free for SC/ST. Everyone is appreciating JNNERM buses, but only private bus association is opposing it,” said Bhandarkar.

“In some remote places, a private bus owner is ruling that area by having three to four buses. The buses are overloaded with passengers all the time. The city buses attend wedding functions also. Why do the private bus association not question about violation of rules?”

“A new high-tech KSRTC bus stand will come up at Bannanje. Another new bus stand will be constructed at the old DDPI office. Does the BJP have any morality to speak about it? BJP has no concern for poor,” lashed block Congress secretary.

Senior Congress leader Amruth Shenoy said, “We stand by with minister Pramod Madhwaraj all the time. The opposition party is campaigning against him out of jealous. They are not able to tolerate the development of Congress. BJP always supports private bus lobby.”

“Congress party has been always pro poor. The private buses have looted the poor and many lives have been lost due to various accidents due to competition. All these incidents compelled minister Pramod Madhwaraj to bring the JNNERM buses to control monopoly of private buses. If there is a healthy competition between private and government buses, people will get good service,” he added.

Youth Congress Samiti urged not to cancel the existing licences of government buses.

Narasimha Murthy, president, town planning development authority, Vishwas Amin, president, Youth Congress, Veronica Cornelio, district president Mahila Congress, Chandrika Shetty, Block Congress women’s wing, Jyothi Hebbar, Samantha, president, Youth Congress Lady’s wing and other CMC councillors were present.