Maharashtra Government Suspends Bus Services to Karnataka Following Driver Assault
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Synopsis
In response to an assault on a state transport bus driver in Chitradurga, the Maharashtra government has indefinitely suspended bus services from Kolhapur to Karnataka, prioritizing the safety of passengers and staff amidst rising tensions.
Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra government has cancelled bus services to Karnataka indefinitely.
- The decision follows an attack on a bus driver by Kannada Rakshak Vedike activists.
- Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik condemned the assault and emphasized safety.
- Protests erupted in Pune and Kolhapur in response to the incident.
- Calls for action against the perpetrators have been made.
Mumbai, Feb 22 (NationPress) Following the attack on a state transport (ST) bus and the assault on the bus driver allegedly by members of the Kannada Rakshak Vedike in Chitradurga, Karnataka, the Maharashtra government made a significant decision on Saturday to suspend bus services from the Kolhapur division to Karnataka for an indefinite period.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who condemned the incident, instructed the state transport commissioner and the acting vice chairman and managing director of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to immediately halt the bus services until the Karnataka government addresses the situation.
The minister emphasized that the cancellation of ST bus services is aimed at ensuring the safety of drivers, conductors, and passengers.
Sarnaik reached out to the injured driver, Bhaskar Jadhav, via phone, promising him support and asserting that he has the government’s backing. The incident occurred at 9:10 PM on Friday when the MSRTC bus was allegedly attacked by Kannada Rakshak Vedike activists in Chitradurga, who assaulted the driver for not speaking Kannada. Following the attack, both the driver and conductor filed a complaint at the local police station before returning to Kolhapur.
The assault on the ST bus sparked outrage in both Pune and Kolhapur, leading to protests by factions of Shiv Sena, with some threatening to burn Karnataka state transport buses entering Maharashtra.
Earlier, Sarnaik remarked, “We need to prevent this controversy from escalating. I will discuss this matter with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. It is unacceptable for local thugs to stop a Maharashtra bus for publicity.”
The longstanding Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute was also highlighted, with Sarnaik mentioning, “Eknath Shinde has already served two months in prison. We identify as Shiv Sainiks first and ministers second,” while reminding the Karnataka government that their state-run buses also operate in Maharashtra, hinting at potential retaliation.
He labeled the incident as highly condemnable, stating that a case is being filed against the perpetrators and strict actions will follow. “We can teach them a lesson in any manner necessary. The Shiv Sena was founded for a purpose; this issue will be addressed at the national level,” stated the minister.
Sarnaik added, “Regions like Belgaum, Nipani, and Karwar must belong to Maharashtra. This movement was initiated by Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray. I will bring this matter up with the Chief Minister in the next cabinet meeting to determine the appropriate course of action.”
