On Thursday (1st August), the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) courted controversy for taking cognisance of the demand of an Islamist, associated with the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), seeking the removal of the ‘Bajrangbali sticker’ from a state bus.
In a tweet, KSRTC wrote, “Thank you for your post, we will forward to concerned depot for further examine.”
OpIndia was able to independently verify that the response was made by the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the state-owned public road transport corporation.
The development came a day after an Islamist named Arif Arwah took offence over a Bajrangbali sticker affixed on the back of a KSRTC bus.
Arif is a prominent member of SDPI, as evident from his social media activity. For the unversed, SDPI is the political arm of the banned radical Islamic outfit ‘Popular Front of India (PFI).
On Wednesday (31st July), the Islamist sought the removal of the ‘religious photo’ from the state-owned bus and demanded action against the driver and conductor.
In a tweet, he stated, “Hey @KSRTC_Journeys, I Noticed This Bus In Chikmaglur Bus Stand , In back side of the bus,there is a religious photo.
Is it ok to put any religious photos on government buses? Please take action on the driver and conducted.”
While it is not surprising that an intolerant SDPI member is seeking the removal of ‘Bajrangbali sticker’, the fact that KSRTC is entertaining his demand is concerning.
KSRTC is owned by the Government of Karnataka, which is currently controlled by the Congress party.
