The recent approval to provide 750 electric buses to Karnataka’s transport corporations has sparked a political debate between the state Congress and the BJP-led central government. Under the PME-Bus service scheme, KSRTC will receive 350 buses, NWKSRTC 200, and KKRTC 200, totaling 750 modern, eco-friendly electric buses equipped with advanced safety features for commuters.
While the BJP touted the allocation on social media as a significant achievement, the Karnataka Congress questioned the central government’s overall approach, alleging neglect in other critical areas. Party leaders criticized the Centre for failing to fund the Peripheral Ring Road, shortchanging the state in the 15th Finance Commission, withholding the state’s GST share, and denying approvals for major irrigation projects including Mekedatu, Mahadayi, Krishna Upper, and Bhadra Upper schemes.
Congress also highlighted delays in pending NREGA payments, inadequate fertilizer supply, and insufficient flood relief measures as further examples of neglect. Party officials contrasted the current scenario with the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, when the JNNURM initiative provided thousands of buses not only for BMTC but also for other cities in Karnataka, along with significant funding for urban infrastructure in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other key cities.
The controversy underscores the ongoing political tensions over resource allocation and development priorities between the Karnataka state government and the central administration. While the electric buses are welcomed as a step toward modern, sustainable public transport, the Congress insists that broader infrastructural and financial commitments to the state must be addressed.
