Mumbai: AIMIM Maharashtra has sounded the bugle against the proposed fare hike in Mumbai’s BEST bus services, calling it a direct attack on the city’s working class and a veiled step toward the privatisation of public transport.
According to AIMIM Maharashtra general secretary Ateeque Ahmed Khan, the party will launch a massive, peaceful, and constitutional protest march starting from the Govandi Shivaji Nagar New Bus Depot. The date and time of the demonstration will be announced shortly. Under the leadership of party chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Maharashtra president Syed Imtiyaz Jaleel, AIMIM has condemned the proposed fare hike.
The move has sparked outrage among the nearly 31 lakh daily commuters who rely on BEST buses, particularly the working class, labourers, and middle-income families.
“This is not just about fares. This is about the silent privatisation of Mumbai’s public assets – the slow dismantling of BEST. We will not allow it,” said Ateeque Ahmed Khan.
AIMIM leaders have issued a stern warning to the state government: roll back the proposed fare hike or face unprecedented public resistance. The party’s other key demands include a permanent halt to any privatisation efforts involving BEST, expansion of the public bus fleet to at least 6,000 vehicles, and assurance of affordable, reliable transport.
