Bengaluru: Kannada Organisations erupt against BMTC over tobacco ads on city buses

Kannada organisations tear down advertisements at Majestic Bus Stand, alleging damage to public health and city cleanliness

Strong protests broke out in Bengaluru against the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) after Kannada organisations accused the public transport body of promoting harmful products through advertisements on city buses.

Members of Kannada organisations staged a protest at the Majestic bus station, where they tore down stickers and advertisements pasted on BMTC buses. The protesters expressed anger over the display of tobacco product advertisements on public transport vehicles used daily by lakhs of commuters.

The demonstrators alleged that BMTC and KSRTC buses have been carrying advertisements of tobacco brands such as Vimal, RMD and Chini Chini, which they strongly condemned. They questioned why advertisements of products that are known to cause serious health issues are being promoted through government-run transport services.

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According to the protesters, the transport corporations are prioritising revenue over public health, accusing them of damaging the city’s cleanliness and social environment for monetary gains. They claimed that Bengaluru is being “spoiled” by such advertisements and held transport authorities responsible for allowing them.

Activists raised objections saying that these ads encourage unhealthy habits and negatively influence young people. They also alleged that public spaces across the city are being affected, including bus stands, major traffic circles and metro stations, due to the spread of such advertisements.

During the protest, members of the Yuva Karnataka organisation actively participated by removing the advertisements and staging a demonstration against the transport authorities. They voiced strong dissatisfaction and demanded an immediate end to tobacco-related promotions on public transport and public infrastructure.