"After Punjab government": Kejriwal takes swipe at Delhi CM over free NEET bus travel decision
New Delhi, May 29
Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that after the Punjab government, the Delhi government has also decided to provide free bus travel for NEET 2026 candidates, a comment seen as a subtle dig at the Delhi Chief Minister over the announcement of free bus travel for students appearing in the NEET-UG exam.
Talking to X, Kejriwal wrote, "After the Punjab government, now the Delhi government has also made buses free for NEET students."
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced free travel in all DTC buses for NEET aspirants.
On X, CM wrote, "To support candidates appearing for NEET (UG) 2026 on 21 June, the Delhi Government will provide free travel in all DTC buses upon presentation of a valid admit card. No student should face inconvenience on a day that holds such importance for their future. My best wishes to all NEET aspirants. May their hard work and determination lead them to success."
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the state government will waive off bus fare for students appearing for the NEET examination, allowing them free travel on Punjab Roadways buses on June 20, 21, and 22.
In a post on X, CM Mann said that many students preparing for NEET come from economically weaker backgrounds and often struggle even to arrange travel expenses to reach their exam centres.
"Many poor students take the NEET exam. They don't even have money for the fare to get to the exam center. When Kejriwal recently spoke with the NEET students, they requested help. The NEET exam is on June 21. Therefore, the Punjab government has decided to waive off the fare for all students appearing for the NEET exam on all Punjab Roadways buses on June 20, 21, and 22. Show your admit card, and you won't be charged for the ticket. May the Almighty grant you success," CM Mann wrote on X.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is just political one-upmanship before elections. While free bus travel helps a little, what about the actual NEET fee for poor students? Many can't even afford the application cost. Show your admit card and travel free—sounds good but feels like a cheap publicity stunt. 🙄
Finally something practical for NEET students! Many of them travel from villages to cities for exams. Punjab and Delhi setting a good example. Let's hope the buses are actually available on time and in good condition—that's the real challenge in our cities. Good luck to all aspirants! 💪
As someone from the US, I find it interesting how Indian politicians use social media to announce welfare schemes. Free bus travel for exam day is a small but meaningful help. However, the political point-scoring between Kejriwal and the Delhi CM feels unnecessary. Focus on education, not egos.
Why is Kejriwal acting like this is his idea when the Delhi CM already announced it? Politics aside, this free bus travel will genuinely help many students from lower-income families. But I wish our leaders would spend less time on Twitter wars and more on improving education quality. 🤷♀️
As a student who took NEET last year, I know how stressful exam day is. The last thing you need is transport worries. This free bus scheme is great for poor students who can't afford auto or taxi fares. But please, also ensure female students have safe transport options. Safety first! 🚌✨
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.