BJP leader withdraws free bus service for college girls

Rohtak: After receiving accolades for providing a free bus service to girls coming to colleges in Rohtak from rural areas, BJP leader Balraj Kundu on Thursday announced his decision to withdraw the fleet from roads.
Kundu, who is also the zila parishad chairman, was recently embroiled in a controversy after a sub-contractor in his construction company lodged an FIR registered against him for assaulting his family members over a monetary dispute. A case of assault was registered against Kundu and his supporters for manhandling Ramesh Dhankar’s kin and issuing a life threat earlier this week when he (Dhankhar) demanded settlement of money in full public glare.

Dhankhar, who was also booked in a case registered on the complaint of Kundu’s supporters, later alleged that his sister was molested by the BJP leader when they demanded settlement of their long standing dues. Kundu, who unsuccessfully contested 2014 assembly elections from Meham constituency, had later issued a statement on social media, saying he was pained by the accusations and was withdrawing the buses.

“I am disturbed by the accusations against me and discontinuing the free bus facilities extended to college-going girls from tomorrow in the best interest of people of Meham,” his statement reads.

A khap leader from Meham area of the district claimed that Kundu, by discontinuing the free bus facility, was trying to sway the people’s sentiments in his favour. He said the BJP leader had created pro-people image in Meham area by providing free bus facilities for college going girls as there were transportation issues.

Kundu had dedicated 10 buses for college-going girls from Meham to Rohtak city.