Free bus travel scheme led to shortage of buses: Sasikala

Trichy: V K Sasikala on Wednesday accused the DMK government of failing to procure new buses, leading to a shortage across Tamil Nadu, and linked it to the implementation of the Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Scheme.Campaigning in the delta region, including Peravurani in Thanjavur district, she said there was an acute shortage of buses in constituencies across the state. "During J Jayalalithaa's tenure, new buses were purchased every year, and there was no shortage. Now, the state is facing a widespread shortfall," she said. Criticising the free bus travel scheme for women, Sasikala alleged that it had strained resources. "The government announced free travel but is now unable to manage services. Ministers are even making derogatory remarks about women using the scheme," she said, adding that some women were questioning its necessity. She also accused the DMK of poor governance despite heavy borrowing. "The government has borrowed ₹12 lakh crore and has run the administration on loans for five years without tangible results. Such a government should not be brought back to power," she said. Highlighting infrastructure gaps, Sasikala claimed that many villages still lack basic amenities. "There is no proper drinking water, roads or street lighting in several areas. Villages have been neglected," she said. She further alleged that infrastructure projects were driven by revenue considerations. "Flyovers are being built only where revenue can be generated, while villages without such potential are ignored. These conditions will change when we come to power," she added.