Transport Minister C. P. John has defended his remarks on women using Kerala’s Priyadarshini Free Travel scheme despite widespread criticism. Speaking at the Kerala Bus Transport Association’s state conference in Palakkad, the minister said his comments were aimed at drawing attention to the financial hardships faced by many women.
He said many women depend on the free KSRTC travel scheme because they do not have money readily available, even while making financial sacrifices to educate their children in private schools. Referring to healthcare, he also pointed to the preference for government hospitals over private facilities, describing the public’s choices in transport, education and healthcare as noteworthy.
As the controversy grew, the minister reaffirmed his stand, saying his intention was to highlight the reality of poverty among women. He acknowledged that the political leadership, including himself, had not fully understood the extent of the financial struggles faced by many women. He also rejected allegations that he had suggested people were pretending to be poor.
Meanwhile, the state committee of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) strongly criticised the minister’s remarks, describing them as insulting and discriminatory towards women. The organisation demanded that the minister withdraw his comments and issue an unconditional apology to the women of Kerala.
