A viral video allegedly showing a Karnataka state-run bus being driven at night with the conductor using a mobile phone torch instead of functioning headlights has triggered a political controversy, with the opposition accusing the Congress government of neglecting public transport.
The footage, widely shared on social media by Janata Dal (Secular) State Youth President Nikhil Kumar, appears to show a Karnataka Kalyana Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) bus travelling along a dark road while the conductor shines a mobile phone flashlight to help the driver navigate. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
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Reacting to the clip, Nikhil Kumar described the incident as a shocking reflection of the condition of Karnataka’s public transport system. He alleged that inadequate maintenance funding had forced buses to operate in an unsafe condition, putting the lives of passengers and staff at risk.
The JD(S) leader also criticised the state government over delays in introducing 4,500 electric buses allotted to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) under the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE Scheme. He further alleged that reimbursement payments to transport corporations had been delayed, worsening their financial condition and affecting maintenance work.
The viral video quickly gained traction online, prompting criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, who questioned the safety standards followed by state-run transport services. Many demanded an inquiry into the incident and immediate steps to ensure buses are roadworthy before being allowed to operate.
The Karnataka government has not yet issued an official response to the viral clip or the allegations surrounding the condition of the bus fleet.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on the maintenance of public transport vehicles in the state, with the opposition using the controversy to question the government’s handling of transport infrastructure. As the debate continues, passengers and commuters have called for stricter safety checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.
