Amid backlash, Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John apologises for controversial remark about women availing free bus travel scheme
Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John has apologized for remarks suggesting women were faking poverty to exploit a free bus travel scheme. The comments drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and internal party members who feared the statement undermined the government's women empowerment agenda.
Kerala’s Transport Minister C.P. John on Wednesday (August 5, 2026) apologised for appearing to suggest that women faked poverty to avail themselves of free-of-charge travel on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) ordinary class buses under the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s flagship Priyadarshini Free Travel (Women Empowerment) Scheme.
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