Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar warned Tamil Nadu over halting KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses and stated that if the neighbouring state continues to do so, Kerala will also stop TNSTC (Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation) buses here. This announcement was made in the State Assembly during the discussion of budget allocation for the transport sector. He lashed out at Tamil Nadu for their decision to increase taxes on tourist vehicles without consulting the state.

What is KSRTC vs TNSTC bus war all about?

The Tamil Nadu Government has imposed a ban on inter-state buses that stop at various places and pick up passengers under the guise of All India Tourist Permits. Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Department has tightened checks against private buses registered in other States plying through Tamil Nadu with passengers. The minister's statement comes in the wake of the TN state government's decision after a total of 545 buses, including those from Kerala, have been prohibited.

After obtaining the All India Tourist Permit, the decision was made to prevent stage carriage services from operating in the state. It was found that 650 buses were operating in this manner. Later, time was given to obtain permits, but only 105 buses obtained them. The remaining 545 buses were banned from operating services. 

However, the Supreme Court had earlier directed that such interstate buses should not be stopped in Tamil Nadu. Apart from buses that are going to Tamil Nadu, those that are passing through this route to go to other state are also halted by the officials. Followed by this act, the Supreme Court has ordered to stop it and had sought an explanation from the Tamil Nadu government on this matter.

What is the tit-for-tat move that Ganesh Kumar warned Tamil Nadu of? 

Sabarimala season is approaching and during this time several Tamil Nadu locals come to visit the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.  If buses are halted in Tamil Nadu, the minister warned that he would hit back by doing the same in the state. 

He said, "Tamil Nadu people have to understand, Sabarimala season is approaching, and more people will be coming from there to Kerala. We will also fill the treasury with money. If those who come from here (Kerala) are troubled there (Tamil Nadu), then those who come from there will also be troubled here. If KSRTC buses are stopped, Tamil Nadu's buses will also be stopped. There will be no compromise on this.

What made the minister furious?

Citing his approach to move forward with peace, Ganesh Kumar stated that Kerala government was already moving forward cooperating with TN and having a cordial relationship with them. But Tamil Nadu has increased the tax without consulting the state despite the Central government's order to have the same tax applicable to the entire country. This is what anguished the minister into taking a strong stance on this issue.

What other decisions were taken during the assembly?

In the presence of motor vehicle department officials, MLAs will convene grama sabhas (village assemblies) to prepare bus routes. These permits will be auctioned by the government. He added that there will not be a single route in the state without public transportation. The minister also said that a KSRTC housekeeping team will be formed to ensure the cleanliness of bus stations and offices.