Kallinath Swamiji drives govt bus to mark launch of ‘Shakti Yojana’, violates MV Act

VIJAYAPURA: Amid the celebration over the launch of the ‘Shakti Yojana’ allowing free bus travel for women in Karnataka on Sunday, a seer from Vijayapura has found himself in the centre of a controversy after he drove a government bus by himself in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.

The incident took place in Kolhara town of the district, when Kallinath Swamiji of Digambareshwar Mutt, Kolhara, drove a KSRTC bus for about 5 km with passengers in the presence of government officials. The passengers on the bus travelled in fear.

As per norms, no other person can drive a government vehicle other than a government-appointed driver. Bus drivers must also have a heavy vehicle licence. But Kallinath Swamiji drove the government bus, violating the government rules. Now, the public has expressed outrage over Swamiji’s imprudent act.