Will the TN government resolve the bus strike issue?
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Synopsis
As Tamil Nadu's AIADMK and BJP pressure the state government to resolve the omni bus strike, thousands of passengers are stuck without transport. With accusations flying over excessive fines and political maneuvering, this ongoing crisis demands immediate action. Can a solution be found to restore inter-state travel for the people of Tamil Nadu?
Key Takeaways
- AIADMK and BJP demand immediate action from the TN government.
- The omni bus strike has lasted nearly a week, causing passenger distress.
- The DMK government's policies are criticized for escalating the crisis.
- Immediate talks with Kerala and Karnataka are essential for resolution.
- Political alliances should not compromise public welfare.
Chennai, Nov 13 (IANS) The AIADMK, Tamil Nadu's leading opposition party, along with its NDA ally, the BJP, heightened their demands on the state government to swiftly address the ongoing strike by omni bus operators. These operators have halted inter-state services due to what they claim are punitive fines imposed by neighboring states.
AIADMK's general secretary and the Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), emphasized that thousands of commuters are suffering due to this deadlock, particularly those heading towards Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
With private omni buses off the roads for almost a week, passengers have been left with no choice but to rely on limited government and contract carriage services, he pointed out.
“The DMK government must not prolong this situation. It is imperative that they initiate discussions with the Omni Bus Association to ensure uninterrupted travel for the public,” EPS remarked.
The AIADMK leader asserted that the halt in services was prompted by warnings that fines from other states on Tamil Nadu-registered omni buses could jeopardize their operational sustainability.
In a similar vein, BJP leader and former state unit president, K. Annamalai, criticized the DMK government for instigating this crisis through what he termed an “excessive and profit-driven” additional road tax on vehicles entering Tamil Nadu.
He argued that this unilateral decision has incited retaliatory measures from neighboring states, particularly Kerala and Karnataka, both governed by the INDIA Bloc allies of the DMK.
“In the past week alone, nearly 100 omni buses registered in Tamil Nadu faced fines amounting to nearly Rs 2 crore in Kerala and Karnataka. This situation has completely stalled inter-state omni bus services, causing significant distress to lakhs of passengers from Tamil Nadu,” Annamalai stated.
He accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of refraining from action due to “political motivations” related to the DMK's alliances in neighboring states.
“While other chief ministers are promptly addressing their citizens' welfare, Tamil Nadu's CM Stalin is sacrificing the interests of Tamil people for the sake of alliance politics,” he charged.
Both political leaders urged the state government to engage in immediate discussions with the authorities from Kerala and Karnataka and to devise a lasting solution to facilitate smooth inter-state private transport operations.
Point of View
The ongoing bus strike in Tamil Nadu highlights the challenges of balancing political alliances with public welfare. The AIADMK and BJP's push for immediate intervention raises important questions about the responsibilities of the state government. It is essential that the administration prioritizes the needs of its citizens and seeks collaborative solutions with neighboring states.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the omni bus strike in Tamil Nadu?
The strike was triggered by heavy fines imposed on Tamil Nadu-registered omni buses by neighboring states, leading operators to suspend inter-state services.
How long has the bus strike been ongoing?
The omni bus strike has been in effect for nearly a week, significantly affecting passenger travel.
What are the political parties involved in this issue?
The AIADMK, Tamil Nadu's primary opposition party, and the BJP, its NDA partner, are pressuring the state government to resolve the situation.
What is the impact of the bus strike on passengers?
Passengers are facing severe difficulties as they are forced to rely on limited government and contract carriage services.
What do the leaders suggest should be done?
Both leaders urge the Tamil Nadu government to engage in urgent discussions with authorities from Kerala and Karnataka to find a long-term solution.
