AIADMK pitches free bus ride for couples, lovers

Former Tamil Nadu minister KT Rajenthra Bhalaji has triggered political debate by promising free government bus travel for husbands accompanying their wives and for young couples travelling together if the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam returns to power in the next Assembly elections, a pledge framed as an extension of existing welfare measures.

- HD Bureau

Speaking on Tuesday at a public meeting marking the birth anniversary of M G Ramachandran in Sivakasi, Bhalaji said the party would expand the free bus travel scheme beyond women to include companions, presenting it as a move to support family mobility and youth participation in public transport. The event was organised by the AIADMK Women’s Wing at Paavadi Thoppu and drew senior party functionaries and local cadres.

Bhalaji asserted that the AIADMK would defeat the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and form the government, adding that party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami would take oath as Chief Minister on May 5. The statement was positioned as a confidence signal to party workers ahead of organ is ational preparations for the polls, even as the election schedule has yet to be announced.