Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Kerala transport minister apologises for remarks on women bus scheme
In a place called Kerala, a government minister named C. P. John said something that hurt some people's feelings.
He was talking about a program that lets women ride public buses for free.
His words made it sound like some women were pretending to be poor just to get free rides.
Many people got upset, and the news was full of people arguing about it.
The minister said he was sorry for what he said.
He explained that he spoke casually at a small meeting and did not mean to insult anyone.
He promised that the free bus program, called the Priyadarshini scheme, will keep helping women.
He also said he has no false pride and is happy to say sorry if his words caused pain.
Saying sorry when you hurt others is the right thing to do, and the helpful program will stay.
Kerala Transport Minister C. P. John issued a public apology on Wednesday for remarks suggesting women faked poverty to avail free bus travel.
The remarks were made on Monday at a private bus operators' meeting in Palakkad.
John had said women relying on the free Priyadarshini bus scheme and public healthcare prefer private schooling for their children.
The comments triggered a major political row throughout Kerala, which the minister sought to end with his apology.
John said he never intended to hurt anyone and confirmed the Priyadarshini scheme will continue as a flagship UDF government project.
- Who
- Kerala Transport Minister C. P. John, who apologised to those offended by his comments.
- What
- He expressed deep regret for remarks implying women faked poverty to use the state's free Priyadarshini bus travel scheme.
- When
- The apology was issued on Wednesday, following his Monday remarks in Palakkad.
- Where
- The apology was given in Thiruvananthapuram; the original remarks were made at a private bus operators' meeting in Palakkad.
- Why
- His comments sparked a mounting political crisis and a major political row across the state, prompting the minister to apologise.
- Minister
- C. P. John, Kerala Transport Minister
- Scheme involved
- Priyadarshini scheme - free travel for women on ordinary state transport corporation buses
- Offending remarks
- Women using free bus travel and public healthcare prefer private schooling for their children
- Date of remarks
- Monday, at a private bus operators' meeting
- Date of apology
- Wednesday
- Location of apology
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Location of remarks
- Palakkad
- Government
- UDF - the scheme is a flagship 'Indira guarantees' project and will continue