‘I’ll debate you, not your MD’: Mohandas Pai escalates fight over Bengaluru’s bus shortage

Pai challenges Reddy for direct talk on Bengaluru bus crisis, skips BMTC MD. Demands 15K buses vs 7K now, backs private ops, calls Shakti taxpayer-funded

Businessman and civic activist Mohandas Pai has intensified his public spat with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, declaring he is ‘ready for discussion, but not with the MD, with you.’

Pai argued that elected representatives, not the BMTC Managing Director, are accountable to citizens and must directly address the city’s public transport crisis. He reiterated that the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel to women, is not truly ‘free’ but a subsidy funded by taxpayers’ money.

Highlighting the inadequacy of Bengaluru’s current fleet, Pai said the existing 7,000 BMTC buses are far from sufficient to meet the city’s growing commuting needs. According to him, Bengaluru now requires at least 15,000 buses, including both big and small vehicles, to ease congestion and provide reliable public transport.

Also Read: Bengaluru gold and silver prices see sharp correction on January 30

Pai questioned the government’s opposition to private bus operators, pointing out that many companies already run their own services for employees. He asked why there is a rigid stance that only the government should own and operate buses, when people are willing to pay for efficient services.

Urging the minister to enable a larger, mixed public bus ecosystem, Pai said his only demand is a robust system that meets citizens’ needs and that he remains open to an ‘honest, public discussion’ with the minister.

Also Read: Ramalinga Reddy throws open challenge to Mohan Das Pai over BMTC bus shortage