Bengaluru: The BJP has alleged that Karnataka’s Shakti free-bus travel scheme has added to the financial pressure on the state’s transport corporations and raised concerns over employee payments, fuel dues and bus maintenance.
In a post on X, the BJP questioned whether BMTC drivers and conductors would receive their salaries on time and alleged that funds meant for employees’ provident fund and insurance obligations had been diverted.
The party also cited outstanding fuel payments and a shortage of funds for spare parts, claiming that inadequate maintenance was affecting the condition of buses and contributing to safety concerns.
However, BMTC managing director Raghunandan Murthy told The New Indian Express that the corporation’s upcoming salary payment would be made without any issues.
Shakti dues add to financial pressure
The BJP’s criticism comes amid reported financial strain in the four state-run transport corporations. A recent government response in the Karnataka Legislative Council showed that ₹5,650.95 crore in Shakti scheme reimbursements was pending as of July 31, 2026. The corporations had incurred ₹20,955.96 crore in expenditure under the scheme, against ₹15,305.01 crore released by the government.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has also said the four corporations face an annual loss of around ₹8,000 crore, citing higher diesel and other petroleum costs and unchanged fares. The government has been considering a fare revision to address the financial strain.
The BJP has demanded immediate release of outstanding amounts towards employee benefits and transport corporation dues, warning that it would launch a protest if the issues were not addressed.
The party questioned whether placing transport corporations under financial stress represented the government’s model of administration.