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Tamil Nadu Bus Strike Crisis: Why Opposition Parties Demand Immediate Action

Tamil Nadu is facing a major transportation crisis as private omni buses have suspended inter-state services. The AIADMK and BJP are jointly pressuring the state government to resolve the ongoing strike. Opposition leaders claim the strike stems from heavy fines imposed by neighboring states on Tamil Nadu-registered buses. They're demanding immediate intervention to ease passenger hardships across Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry routes.

Key Points: AIADMK BJP Urge Tamil Nadu Government to Resolve Bus Strike

  • Thousands of passengers stranded as private omni buses halt inter-state services for nearly a week
  • Bus operators cite heavy fines from neighboring states affecting business viability
  • BJP alleges DMK's additional road tax triggered retaliatory actions from Kerala, Karnataka
  • Opposition demands urgent talks with neighboring states for long-term transport solution
2 min read

AIADMK, BJP urge TN govt to resolve bus strike issue

AIADMK and BJP pressure Tamil Nadu government to end omni bus strike affecting thousands of passengers traveling to Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry.

"The DMK regime must not cause any further delay. The government should immediately hold talks with the office-bearers of the Omni Bus Association - Edappadi K. Palaniswami"

Chennai, Nov 13( IANS) Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party, the AIADMK, and its NDA partner, the BJP, on Thursday intensified pressure on the state government to immediately resolve the ongoing strike by omni bus owners, who have suspended inter-state services following what they describe as heavy fines imposed by neighbouring states.

AIADMK general secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) said thousands of passengers were bearing the brunt of the stalemate, particularly those travelling to Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.

With private omni buses staying off the roads for nearly a week, passengers have been forced to depend entirely on limited government and contract carriage services, he noted.

"The DMK regime must not cause any further delay. The government should immediately hold talks with the office-bearers of the Omni Bus Association and ensure that people have seamless travel options," EPS said.

The AIADMK leader alleged that operators had stopped services after being informed that fines imposed by other states on Tamil Nadu-registered omni buses would severely affect their business viability.

Echoing the criticism, BJP leader and former state unit president K. Annamalai accused the DMK government of triggering the crisis through what he called an "exorbitant and greed-driven" additional road tax on vehicles entering Tamil Nadu.

He claimed that this unilateral policy had provoked retaliatory action from neighbouring states, including Kerala and Karnataka, both ruled by INDIA Bloc allies of the DMK.

"Last week alone, nearly 100 Tamil Nadu-registered omni buses were fined close to Rs 2 crore in Kerala and Karnataka. This has brought inter-state omni bus operations to a complete halt and caused immense hardship to lakhs of Tamil Nadu passengers," Annamalai said.

He alleged that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had refrained from intervening due to "political considerations" involving the DMK's alliance partners in neighbouring states.

"While other chief ministers are acting swiftly to protect their people's welfare, Tamil Nadu CM Stalin is making the Tamil people scapegoats for the sake of his alliance politics," he charged.

Both leaders urged the state government to engage in urgent talks with Kerala and Karnataka authorities and provide a long-term solution to ensure smooth inter-state private transport operations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree the strike needs resolution, let's not make this political. Both DMK and opposition should work together to find a solution. Common people are suffering the most.
S
Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels between Chennai and Hyderabad for work, this situation is terrible. The government buses are overcrowded and expensive. Hope they resolve this soon!
A
Arjun K
Why can't our state government protect our people? 2 crore in fines in one week is ridiculous! Other states are taking advantage and our government is silent. Very disappointing.
K
Karthik V
The bus operators have genuine concerns. If they're being fined heavily in other states, how can they run their business? Government should negotiate with neighboring states immediately.
M
Michael C
This is affecting tourism too. Many people from Kerala and Karnataka visit Tamil Nadu temples and hill stations. The government needs to think about the economic impact beyond just politics.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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