Saffron buses ignite political row, BJP blames 'communication gap'

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-06-28 10:37:17 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-28 08:32:16

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Back in the driving seat in Delhi, the BJP is now navigating a new controversy, with a recent switch of the capital's electric buses from green to saffron triggering a political row. Adding fuel to the fire, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta claimed the move was ordered to match the color of the Delhi Assembly, which is also saffron.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opposed the move, with local councillor Shrivatsa charging that the BJP was using public money to promote its own political interests. "Electric buses were introduced in the national capital to make lives easier for common people, not for political gains," he pointed out.

Notably, in 2019, the Delhi government had ordered the procurement of 350 electric buses, which included 155 air-conditioned buses that were painted green. The new fleet of 105 'Devi' electric buses, however, shed the green paint in favor of saffron, sparking debates and accusations of political agendas.

Despite the controversy, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gehlot maintained that the decision was purely technical, insisting there was no "political inclination or communication gap."

"The buses were painted in saffron for the first time and that's why people are discussing it," he said. "We will not deviate from our goal of promoting eco-friendly buses even if some people try to politicize it."

The buses were introduced to support the capital's struggling public transport system and to reduce air pollution. However, critics of the saffron paint job have argued that the BJP is using taxpayer money for political gains and that civic issues should be prioritized over seemingly petty color changes.

Time will tell whether the saffron buses help or hinder the BJP's standing in Delhi.

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