Former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Balraj Kundu, who recently lost the election from the Meham constituency in Rohtak, Haryana, has discontinued the free bus service for girls that he had been running since 2017. The decision came a day after the election results were announced on October 8, 2024, when Kundu was defeated in his bid for re-election.
Kundu, who had been providing free bus services to transport girls from villages within the Meham constituency to educational institutions in Meham and Rohtak, made the announcement to cease operations. The service, which included 18 buses, had been operational for several years, benefiting girls from 40-42 villages by facilitating their commute to schools, colleges, and universities.
Speaking about the decision, Kundu explained that his supporters had urged him to stop the buses after his defeat. He further shared that some parents had previously commented negatively about the service, claiming that they did not raise their daughters merely to use his free buses. These comments, along with the election loss, reportedly contributed to his decision to stop the bus service. Kundu stated, “Let the new MLA now take responsibility for running the buses.”
Kundu, the leader of the Haryana Jansevak Party, had initiated the free bus service for girls in 2017-18 with the aim of promoting education for young women in the region. The service began with eight buses, later expanding to 18, ensuring that girls from various villages in the Meham constituency had access to safe, convenient transportation to their educational institutions.
The buses covered an extensive route, with each bus travelling over 100 kilometers daily. The villages serviced were located about 30-40 kilometers from Rohtak, and the initiative helped alleviate the financial burden on families by providing free transportation. It also ensured that girls could safely commute to and from their schools and universities, promoting education in a region where safety concerns often hinder access to education for women.
Following the election results, Kundu held a meeting with his supporters, many of whom expressed anger and disappointment over the outcome. They pointed out that despite the free bus service and other social welfare efforts initiated by Kundu, he lost the election. Supporters voiced their frustration, claiming that Kundu’s social service initiatives, including the bus service, had gone underappreciated by the voters.
During the meeting, Kundu shared his emotional response, stating that he was deeply hurt by the election loss and the reaction of the voters. “I did not choose social service for political gains,” Kundu said, expressing his disappointment. However, his supporters suggested that the new MLA should now be given the responsibility to continue the bus service for the girls.
The discontinuation of the free bus service is likely to cause significant difficulties for the girls who relied on the buses to commute to their educational institutions. With the service now halted, students will have to find alternative modes of transportation, such as state-run buses, private buses, autos, or personal vehicles, which may pose challenges for both safety and affordability.
Many families in the region had benefited from the free bus service, as it not only eased financial pressure but also provided a safe and reliable mode of transportation for their daughters. The initiative had become a cornerstone of Kundu’s social service, and its sudden cessation has raised concerns among parents and students alike.
Radha Ahlawat, an independent candidate who contested the election from Meham, criticised Kundu for abruptly ending the bus service following his electoral defeat. She highlighted the stark contrast between Kundu’s actions and her own family’s continued commitment to public service, despite repeated election losses.
“Our family has lost five elections, but my husband, Shamsher Kharkada, and I have never stopped serving the people of our constituency. Despite the setbacks, we remain dedicated to the community,” Ahlawat said. She further stated that Kundu’s decision to stop the bus service revealed his true intentions, questioning his dedication to the welfare of the region.
“Even though we lost the election, we have not lost hope. We came to Meham to bring about change, and we will continue to work towards that goal,” Ahlawat added, underscoring her family’s long-standing commitment to the people of the Meham constituency.
