KSRTC Under Scrutiny Amid Election Code Violations

What the data shows

As the elections approach in Kerala, a critical question arises: Are the advertisements by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) promoting the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s achievements violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)? The answer appears to be yes, as these ads are currently under scrutiny for potential violations.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala has emphasized that compliance with the MCC will be strictly enforced. According to the MCC guidelines, any unauthorized political advertisements must be removed within 48 hours of the announcement of elections. This has raised concerns regarding the KSRTC’s promotional activities, which some critics argue could influence voters.

In response to the scrutiny, Rathan U Kelkar, a senior official, stated, “We need to submit a compliance report to the Election Commission of India. Whatever has been mandated under the MCC will be strictly carried out.” This indicates a commitment to adhere to the electoral guidelines, although the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen.

In addition to the controversy surrounding political advertisements, KSRTC is preparing for the upcoming summer festival season by operating 2,000 additional buses. Special services will be available from Bengaluru to various destinations between March 18 and 20, 2026. Passengers can benefit from a five percent discount on ticket prices for bulk bookings of four or more seats, as well as a ten percent discount for guaranteed round-trip bookings.

However, the political implications of these advertisements cannot be ignored. K Jayakumar, a political analyst, remarked, “If you want to enforce the MCC strictly, these things have to be followed up.” This statement underscores the need for vigilance in ensuring that all political entities comply with the MCC, not just the KSRTC.

A A Rahim, a member of the CPI, pointed out the potential inconsistency in enforcement, saying, “Both are legal. But if you remove the ads on KSRTC, you should ensure that all the ads on trains will also be removed.” This highlights the complexities involved in regulating political advertisements across different modes of public transport.

George Thomas, another political figure, defended the KSRTC’s advertisements, stating, “I don’t know why certain people are allergic to what they see on KSRTC buses. Advertisements and facts should be differentiated.” This comment reflects the ongoing debate about the nature of political messaging and its impact on public perception.

As the election date approaches, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments. The Chief Minister’s photograph has already been removed from the Kerala Government’s official website in compliance with MCC guidelines, indicating a proactive approach to adhere to electoral regulations. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of compliance measures that will be implemented by KSRTC and other public entities.