Thiruvananthapuram, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Kerala Transport Minister C.P. John on Wednesday expressed regret over his remarks on women using the state government’s free bus travel scheme, saying he did not intend to hurt anyone and should have been more careful with his words.
“I never intended to make a blanket criticism of anyone. I should have been more careful while speaking. If my remarks have caused hurt to anyone, I express my regret,” John told reporters, urging that the controversy be brought to an end.
The controversy began after John remarked that women were increasingly using Priyadarshini buses while also sending their children to private schools. His comments drew criticism from opposition parties, women’s organisations and social media users, with several accusing him of making insensitive generalisations.
Clarifying his remarks, John said the Priyadarshini free travel scheme was introduced as a welfare initiative for economically weaker sections and should be seen as a right rather than an act of charity.
“Free travel is not anybody’s generosity. It is a right. Kerala continues to have severe poverty, and the Priyadarshini scheme is meant to ease that burden,” he said.
The minister also rejected claims that the scheme had placed an additional financial burden on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), stating that more buses would be deployed on routes witnessing increased passenger demand. However, he acknowledged that the ageing KSRTC fleet remains a challenge.
John’s clarification came a day after his comments triggered a political controversy and put the state government in a defensive position. While he expressed regret, he stopped short of issuing an unconditional apology.
A veteran Kerala politician, 69-year-old C.P. John began his political journey as an SFI leader. In 1986, he left the CPI(M) along with his mentor M.V. Raghavan following Raghavan’s expulsion from the party.
He later became a key figure in the Communist Marxist Party (CMP), which was aligned with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). After decades in Kerala politics, John returned to office as a minister in the present government.
John secured his first electoral victory in the latest election after two previous unsuccessful attempts. His remarks drew criticism from several former CPI(M) colleagues, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The controversy and his subsequent expression of regret have once again placed the outspoken minister at the centre of political debate in Kerala.
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