MANDI: People of Joginder Nagar are up in arms against rerouting of two major HRTC buse services in the area that has caused hardship to locals.
CPM Mandi district secretary, Kushal Bhardwaj, and several other locals strongly opposed the relocation of two long-route buses from the HRTC depot in Joginder Nagar to Baijnath depot.
The move, which has raised eyebrows and ignited outrage among the affected population, was ostensibly authorized through an office order bearing the signature of the HRTC Executive Director.
This order, issued on September 15, allegedly cited "public interest" as the reason behind the relocation.
The decision has prompted CPI(M) leader Kushal Bhardwaj to launch a scathing attack, questioning the government's intentions and accusing it of betraying the people of Joginder Nagar.
Bhardwaj minced no words, demanding answers as to how the relocation of these two buses, which were introduced after prolonged struggles, served the public interest.
Notably, the shift also saw the transfer of eight drivers and eight conductors from the Joginder Nagar depot to Baijnath depot, further worsening traveling woes of people.
He asserted that such a move couldn't have occurred without government approval, thereby placing the blame on CM Sukhu.
Bhardwaj hold the state Chief Minister, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, and Deputy Chief Minister cum Transport Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri, accountable for meting out a step-motherly treatment to people of Joginder Nagar.
Cpm has shot off letter to both, with the hopes of shedding light on this controversial decision that has left Joginder Nagar in an dismay and despair.
They demand an immediate rollback of the relocated HRTC bus routes in public interest to Jogindernagar people.
They warned of an agitation if the government fail to do so.