'Learnt my lesson, will be more careful': Kerala Minister CP John on Priyadarshini remarks

Palakkad: Kerala Transport Minister CP John has responded to the controversy surrounding his remarks on the Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme for women, saying the episode has taught him to be far more careful while speaking in public.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said he had not made any inappropriate remarks but acknowledged that public statements are now being closely scrutinised.

"The lesson I have learnt from this controversy is that I need to be extremely careful while speaking. I have not made any wrong remarks. I can no longer speak as casually as I used to. Everyone is closely watching what I say, so I will be much more cautious in the future," C.P. John said.

The controversy erupted after the minister's remarks about the KSRTC Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women at the Kerala Bus Transport Association's state conference. He had said that many women who depended on free bus travel continued to pay private school fees for their children despite vacancies in government schools. He also remarked that people preferred government hospitals over private ones when they fell ill, calling such behaviour surprising.

Following criticism, the minister clarified that his comments had been taken out of context. He said his remarks were intended as a self-criticism of the political leadership's failure, including his own, to understand the aspirations of the working class.

John pointed out that free bus travel for women is their right and that the government remains fully committed to the Priyadarshini scheme. According to him, many families depend on government hospitals because they cannot afford private healthcare, while parents still strive to provide their children with better educational opportunities by sending them to private schools. The minister also reaffirmed that the government would not roll back the Priyadarshini free travel scheme "even by an inch."