Huge drama as MP, TDP leaders block Andhra Pradesh Transport Commissioner

 andhrapradesh | Written by : Suryaa Desk Updated: Sun, Mar 26, 2017, 11:31 AM

VIJAYAWADA: Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani and State Transport Department Commissioner N Bala Subramanyam entered into a verbal duel even as TDP workers obstructed the way of the commissioner for about two hours near deputy transport commissioner's office in Vijayawada on Saturday afternoon. 


Nani alleged that due to the "corrupt" practices of transport officials, around 400 private buses were operating across the State without permits. The situation was leading to road accidents in the State, he said. 


The TDP leaders said party workers went to  Deputy transport commissioner's (DTC) office to meet Bala Subramanyam, who was at the office, seeking immediate seizure of private buses operating without permits. 


TDP workers alleged that officials did not respond properly and they complained to Kesineni Nani, who rushed to the spot along with MLA Bonda Uma Maheswar Rao and MLC Buddha Venkanna as the Transport Commissioner was leaving.


The MP along with other TDP leaders blocked the car of Subramanyam near the DTC office. 


"Around 150 buses which belong to Orange Travels are operating in Vijayawada and around 400 buses are operating across the State. Owner of Orange travels, Sunil Reddy, is a benami of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. He is influencing transport department officials by offering bribes," Nani alleged.


"Why are transport officials not acting seriously against private buses which are operating without permits? Why are buses which were registered in Nagaland and Assam moving freely in Andhra Pradesh?" Nani asked Subramanyam.


TDP leaders also demanded an apology  from transport officials for their negligent response towards Nani. However, Subramanyam denied the allegations and said that there is no need for him to apologise. 


""Every bus is paying taxes to the transport department. We are not allowing any bus to operate without permit," another senior officer said. 


For sometime, the MLC and MLA tried to bring the situation under control. Later, both Nani and Subramanyam went to the city police commissioner's office for talks. After an hour-long discussion, Nani said that the transport commissioner had ensured that transport department would take action against the buses operating in the State without permits. 


"Senior transport officials are not aware of the corrupt practices among lower-rung officers. We hope the situation will change sooner than later," Nani said.