After losing in the Haryana Assembly election from Meham constituency in Rohtak, ex-MLA Balraj Kundu has reportedly chosen to discontinue the free bus service he had been providing for female students within the district.
Kundu, leader of Haryana Jansevak Party (HJP), said the newly elected MLA of Congress party, Balram Dangi should take over the responsibility and offer this service. He said the bus service was being withdrawn as his supporters were angry that people had not rewarded such an initiative with their votes and sought its termination, reported Times of India.
Kundu had initiated the service in 2017 with eight vehicles, gradually expanding to 18 buses that transported female students from villages in Meham to educational institutions.
Madan Lal, a local resident whose daughter would commute on one of these buses, told TOI, “These buses facilitate the commute for girls from approximately 40 villages to their respective schools, colleges and universities. It eased the financial burden on families and ensured girls could safely reach their educational institutions.”
The bus service operated on extensive routes, with each vehicle covering more than 100 kilometers per day, going into the interiors.
After the election results, Kundu held a meeting with his party workers, many of whom expressed anger and disappointment over the outcome. During the meeting, Kundu shared that he was deeply hurt by the election loss and reaction of the voters.
“I did not choose social service for political gains,” he said, expressing his disappointment.
The termination of the free bus service may create substantial challenges for female students who depended on it for transportation to their schools and colleges.
Balram Dangi, the Congress candidate who won from the seat this time, told TOI he will ensure the bus service is not discontinued. “He claims he did not do it for political gains. If not, then why stop now? Right afterwards he pulled back, I spoke to the general manager, Rohtak of Haryana Roadways. He has assured me he will consider running the bus service for students who have now been deprived of the facility. He said he is putting up a team to start the service and we are hoping it will begin this week itself.”
Congress’ Balram Dangi secured 56,865 votes in the recently concluded Haryana Assembly polls, defeating nearest rival Kundu by a margin of over 18,000 votes.
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