Hyderabad: Some auto driver unions have decided to go on strike from January 6 due to their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the free bus travel scheme for women. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has blamed the Opposition BRS for instigating the auto drivers and spreading negative propaganda about the Mahalakshmi scheme.
The Transport Minister highlighted that the TSRTC has achieved a record in the past few days by offering free travel, which has been beneficial for women and millions of passengers have taken advantage of the services. He stated that 6.5 crore passengers have availed the free bus service, demonstrating the success of the government’s scheme.
Regarding the strike called by some auto drivers’ unions on January 6, the minister believes that the BRS is trying to politicize the issue because they cannot accept that the government has fulfilled its promise to women. He assured that the government will defend and counter any attempts to jeopardize these welfare schemes implemented for the people.
Speaking to the media, Prabhakar asserted that they achieved good results in the Assembly elections through unity and they will replicate this in the Lok Sabha elections as well.