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Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila Reddy on Friday travelled on Road Transport Bus and took a dig at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, saying "women across the state are asking when the free bus travel will be implemented".
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party in their manifesto for Andhra Pradesh elections earlier this year had promised free bus travel for women. YS Sharmila Reddy took a ticket and travelled on a 'Pallevelugu' RTC bus from Vijayawada Bus Stand to Tenali on Friday as part of her outreach efforts. This initiative aims to connect with the public and engage directly with constituents in the region. She has written a postcard to Chandrababu Naidu, demanding the immediate implementation of the poll promise of TDP. The state Congress chief said Chandrababu Naidu has been in power for four months, yet no decision has been made on free bus travel for women. "Women across the state are asking when the free bus travel will be implemented. In Telangana, the scheme was implemented within a week. Why is the delay in Andhra Pradesh? Is it because the government fears they'll need to fund RTC (Road Transport Corporation)?" She said that around two million women travel daily in the state. "The RTC earns Rs 7 crore daily through these women. Are you afraid of compensating RTC with these Rs 300 crore if free travel is granted? You took votes from women and promised this benefit. Now, can't you spend Rs 300 crore for them? Four out of your six key promises were for women, and free bus travel is the least expensive among them. If such a low-cost scheme cannot be implemented, how will larger promises be fulfilled? Will you delay for the next five years?" she asked. The Congress leader said that free bus travel ensures the safety of women, and many women would depend on buses if this scheme is implemented. "This is a very beneficial scheme, and we are demanding that Chandrababu Naidu immediately implement it. Similarly, other schemes promised to women must also be implemented without delay. Provide free gas cylinders to women as promised. Prices of essential commodities have already increased, adding to the burden on women. Women need support and assurance and steps must be taken to improve their safety," she said. "The government has reduced alcohol prices which could lead to an increase in crimes against women. We are sending a letter to the Chief Minister, demanding free bus travel for women. In the coming days, we will send thousands of postcards. We hope this will prompt Chandrababu Naidu to immediately implement free bus travel for women," she added. (ANI)
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