Cancellation of 240-odd state-run buses of TN and AP has made matters worse for the pilgrims
Thousands of TN-based devotees who completed their pilgrimage to Tirumala were forced to stay back in Tirupati on Saturday and Sunday due to the violent protests that broke out across Tamil Nadu immediately after the conviction of J. Jayalalithaa in
Tirupati: Tamil Nadu-based devotees continue to remain stranded in the temple town of Tirupati for the second consecutive day, unable to return back to their home state owing to the violent protests back in Tamil Nadu.
Thousands of TN-based devotees who completed their pilgrimage to Tirumala were forced to stay back in Tirupati on Saturday and Sunday due to the violent protests that broke out across Tamil Nadu immediately after the conviction of J. Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The cancellation of 240-odd state-run buses of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh has made matters worse for the pilgrims. These buses ply to various destinations including Chennai, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Puduchery and other places in Tamil Nadu.
K. Sukumaran, a devotee who came along with his relatives, friends and neighbours in a tourist bus from Madurai had completed his darshan in the afternoon on Saturday and had come down to Tirupati to pack for his return but was forced to stay back owing to the violent protests across the state including at the state borders.
Though they had well planned their trip in terms of expenses, the unforeseen development is burning a hole in the devotees’ pockets. While similar is the case of thousands of TN-bound devotees, the plight of those who cannot afford the stay for an additional day is worse.
It may be noted that APSRTC, Tirupati region alone operates 130 buses in TN, the TN state road transport corporation operates 110 buses to Tirupati.
According to information, besides the state run buses, close to 300 odd private buses from TN have been stranded at the private bus station near Alipiri, unable to return to TN fearing roadblocks enroute.
Meanwhile, the private parking contractors in Tirupati are learnt to be literally fleecing private tourist buses by charging double the actual parking fees. It is learnt that while each bus has to pay Rs 50 as parking fees per day, they are forced to pay Rs 90-100 now.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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