The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Telangana has criticised the state Congress government for imposing extra charges on special buses running during Kartika Poornami, calling it “selective discrimination against Hindu festivals.” In a move that has sparked controversy, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) recently hiked ticket prices by up to Rs 1.50 per kilometer for special buses scheduled to run on Friday, November 15, to cater to festival crowds across Hyderabad and district headquarters.
కార్తీక పౌర్ణమి సందర్భంగా రద్దీకి అనుగుణంగా ఏర్పాటు చేయబోయే ప్రత్యేక బస్సులకు రాష్ట్ర ప్రభుత్వ జీవో ప్రకారం 1.50 వరకు టికెట్ ధరలను టీజీఎస్ఆర్టీసీ యాజమాన్యం సవరించింది. రాజధాని హైదరాబాద్ తో పాటు జిల్లా కేంద్రాల నుంచి నడిచే స్పెషల్ బస్సులకు మాత్రమే సవరించిన… pic.twitter.com/abQ9cCsOcX
— V.C. Sajjanar, IPS (@SajjanarVC_IPS) November 13, 2024
A VHP delegation, led by Kendriya Mata Mandir Pramukh M. Ramaraju, national spokesperson Dr. Ravinuthala Shashidhar, and state vice president N. Jagadeeshwar, met with TSRTC Managing Director Sri Sajjanar on Thursday urging him to revoke the fare increase.
The VHP leaders highlighted that in previous years, TSRTC accommodated festival rushes by providing special buses at regular fares, ensuring accessible travel for devotees. The delegation underscored that the additional charges are unfair to Hindu devotees, especially women, given the government’s policy of free transportation for women statewide.
VHP spokespersons Dr Shashidhar expressed outrage, claiming that “It is the government’s responsibility to treat all religious festivals with fairness and ensure that devotees aren’t penalized with additional fees. This policy appears to favour certain communities over others.”
The VHP has demanded an immediate rollback of the fare hike and urged the government to implement uniform policies for all religious events. The organization asserted that the government’s actions alienate Hindu devotees and undermine the spirit of inclusivity.
