KSRTC Crisis: BJP Accuses Karnataka Govt of ₹6,500Cr Debt
BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra claims KSRTC is facing a massive crisis due to ₹6,500 crore in unpaid government dues, affecting salaries and fuel.
The political atmosphere in Karnataka has intensified following serious allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding a massive financial crisis within the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). BJP Karnataka State President BY Vijayendra has accused the state government of failing to clear its dues, claiming that a staggering ₹6,500 crore is currently owed to the public transport giant.
Salaries and Operations Under Threat
Addressing reporters in Vijayapura, Vijayendra highlighted the severe impact this alleged financial mismanagement has had on the corporation's ability to function. He noted that the KSRTC Managing Director had recently alerted the Finance Department about the mounting debt, which has now reached a critical level.
According to the BJP leader, the lack of funds has directly affected the livelihoods of those on the front lines of public service. "Since such a huge amount of money is pending from the state government, KSRTC is unable to pay salaries to its employees, including drivers, conductors, and cleaners," Vijayendra stated, adding that the situation has moved from bad to worse.
Fuel Shortages Paralyze Bus Depots
The crisis is not limited to unpaid wages; it has also spilled over into the operational logistics of the transport network. Vijayendra alleged that KSRTC depots are facing acute fuel shortages because the corporation owes approximately ₹187 crore to major oil marketing companies, including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
- Unpaid Dues: Approximately ₹187 crore owed to HPCL and IOC.
- Supply Restrictions: Suppliers have reportedly restricted diesel distribution due to the arrears.
- Operational Impact: KSRTC buses are reportedly stranded at depots waiting for diesel deliveries.
"KSRTC buses are waiting at KSRTC depots for diesel. But there is no diesel available in these depots... the real reason is that since the state government is not paying its dues, even KSRTC is stuck in trouble now," Vijayendra remarked.
Government Defends Financial Discipline
Responding to the allegations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara dismissed the claims, characterizing the diesel shortage as a temporary issue. Speaking in Koppal district, Parameshwara asserted that the state government has maintained strict financial discipline.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the government has been providing ₹52,000 crore annually over the last three years to support its various initiatives. He questioned the notion of a financial crunch, pointing to the continued rollout of government guarantee schemes as evidence of available funds.
"We know how to run the government. If we had a problem, we could have stopped some guarantee. But we have been giving Rs 52,000 crore for three years. There is discipline in our government’s financial system," said G Parameshwara.
Parameshwara further noted that while some schemes might face minor delays, the government is prepared to manage the situation, even if it requires taking loans to ensure stability. He defended the legacy of former CM Siddaramaiah, stating that the current administration continues the tradition of financial discipline established during his tenure.