নির্বাচনের প্রাক্কালে আসানসোল বাসস্ট্যান্ডে বাস সংকট, বাড়তি ভাড়ায় চাপে যাত্রীরা—লাভে টোটো-অটো চালকরা

Fearless Bengali, Asansol: Asansol bus stand has become virtually empty ahead of assembly elections. As per the instructions of the Election Commission, in view of the first phase of voting on Thursday, almost all the big buses and mini buses of the area were taken for election related purposes and the poll workers are facing extreme hardships as compared to the ordinary passengers. Standing at the bus stand since morning, not many people are visible. Especially those who have come from far away places or are going on voting duty, their problems are endless. It is learned that many people waited from 8:30 in the morning to go to the Durgapur Government College for voting and did not get a bus till noon. A section of auto and rickshaw drivers are taking advantage of this situation. On the Asansol to Goundarandhi route, where the fare for minibus was only Rs 20 per head, now the fare for auto rickshaw is up to Rs 100. As a result, common people are under pressure of extra fare. Raju Walia, leader of INTUTC trade union and in-charge of auto-toto drivers, said, “It is true that the problem of hiring a bus for elections has arisen, but if someone charges ten times the fare, strict action will be taken against him.” On the other hand, an auto driver claims, "The cost of staying in a hotel for a day is very high. Instead of taking Rs 100, I will take the passenger home, this is beneficial for him." But according to the passengers, charging extra fare on the basis of emergency situation is not acceptable in any way. It is feared that if there is no quick alternative transport system, the problem may increase further on the day of voting.