Kannada activists rip off gutka ads from BMTC buses

BENGALURU: Kannada activists from various Kannada organisations have taken to removing gutka advertisements from BMTC and KSRTC buses in protest. The activists argue that these ads promote tobacco consumption and harm public health.

The movement, which started in North Karnataka, has now spread to Bengaluru, with protesters targeting buses and stations like Majestic and KR Pura. On Wednesday, they torn down posters and stickers advertising brands like Vimal and RMD.

The protesters warned the transport utilities to remove the ads or face consequences, including stopping buses and defacing the ads. The department earns crores from these ads, with BMTC alone making Rs 60 crore annually.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had previously suggested the central government should ban tobacco, but activists are now urging him to prioritize public health over revenue. The protest is gaining momentum, with citizens joining the cause.

“Whether it is BMTC or KSRTC, these transport utilities are for the service of the people. For earning revenue, the government has various other sources. It is shocking that the transport utilities are allowing their fleet to advertise harmful substances like gutka. If this is not stopped, the Yuva Karnataka Vedike will stop buses across the city and take down the advertisements”, Aditya N Raj, president of the city unit of the Vedike.

“The Health department says tobacco is harmful, but the Transport department is advertising the same tobacco products. These same buses ply near schools and colleges where sale of tobacco products is banned in a radius of 100 metres”, Chetan Surya, president of the Vedike’s youth wing.