CPM MLAs to skip Priyadarshini launch, alleges UDF diluted free travel promise

Thiruvananthapuram: CPM State Secretary MV Govindan on Sunday announced that the party’s MLAs will boycott the inauguration of the Priyadarshini scheme, which provides free bus travel for women on KSRTC services.

Addressing reporters, Govindan accused the UDF government of failing to honour its election promise of extending free travel to women across all Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. He said the scheme falls short of the commitment made to voters.

The Priyadarshini programme is scheduled to be launched by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Monday.

"They said women could travel anywhere. Now it has been limited to around 1,000 buses. There are only a limited number of ordinary category buses in North Kerala, while most of them are in Thiruvananthapuram," he said.

Govindan alleged that the government had misled the public by diluting its poll promises.

"They promised Rs 21,000 for ASHA workers, but only a marginal increase was given," he said.

"What they promised is not being implemented. We are pointing this out critically. We will not cooperate with the programme as it amounts to deceiving the people," he added.

Responding to the criticism, Transport Minister C P John invoked the proverb, "When destruction is near, the mind works in the wrong direction."

"What can we do? We request them to change their stand," he said.

During the election campaign, the UDF had promised free travel for women in KSRTC buses as part of its five guarantees.

The state government will fund the expenses incurred by KSRTC for implementing the programme. PTI