MANGALURU/BENGALURU: While several agencies are offering free bus travel from across the state to Mangaluru to help those wanting to cast their vote, the shoe appeared on the other foot, especially in Bengaluru, as the transport department issued a warning to private bus operators following complaints against surging bus fares ahead of poll days on April 18 and 23.Although travel operators say they are only trying to ensure high voter turnout in Dakshina Kannada by offering free travel, the possibility of vested political interests trying to take advantage of the situation is high. For instance, a team of three has offered free bus travel from Bengaluru to Mangaluru. The message, circulated on WhatsApp asks voters to send their name, phone number and other details to three numbers displayed. But a check showed the organisers are staunch supporters of a political party.One of the three organisers who TOI spoke to said three buses — each of 80-seat capacity — will be booked to transport voters from Bengaluru to Mangaluru. However, he did not reveal arrival/ departure times. Another organiser, who according to the WhatsApp post is supposed to give details to people regarding their ‘service’, did not entertain calls.

Stay updated with all the Latest Mangalore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.