Fri Feb 06 08:05:17 UTC 2026: # Kerala Congress Leader Accuses Transport Minister of Weakening State Bus Service
The Story:
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged on February 6, 2026, that the Transport Minister is deliberately undermining the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to benefit private bus operators. Speaking at a Transport Workers’ Union conference in Kannur, Chennithala accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of dismantling the public sector undertaking by failing to purchase new buses, not making necessary appointments, and stripping employees of rightful benefits like dearness allowance.
Key Points:
- Ramesh Chennithala accused the Transport Minister of weakening KSRTC to favor private bus operators.
- The LDF government is allegedly dismantling KSRTC.
- KSRTC employees are reportedly being denied benefits, including a 1% dearness allowance.
- The policies of the LDF government have negatively impacted the welfare and morale of KSRTC workers.
- The allegations were made at a Transport Workers’ Union, INTUC, conference in Kannur.
Critical Analysis:
- The historical context of the RBI keeping the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% suggests government expenditure might be limited. KSRTC, being a state run enterprise, might be impacted by such policies.
Key Takeaways:
- The accusation highlights potential tensions between the ruling LDF government and the opposition Congress party in Kerala.
- The focus on KSRTC’s alleged decline raises concerns about the state of public transportation and its impact on workers.
- The issue of employee benefits, specifically the dearness allowance, could lead to further labor unrest and protests.
- The situation underscores the ongoing debate about the role of public vs. private transportation in Kerala.
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