Mangaluru/Bengaluru: Usually, when a mass exodus is expected to take place between cities, either for holidays or, in this case, elections, private bus operators increase the bus fares. This year, however, the transport department has reportedly issued a warning to all private bus operators after receiving complaints about increased bus fares before the polling days of April 18 and 23 in the state.

According to reports, travel operators have now offered free bus tickets to people travelling to Mangalore from across the state to vote. Their reason is that they are merely doing their bit to help increase voter turnout in the state.

On the negative side of this largely positive news, a WhatsApp message reportedly offering free travel from Bengaluru to Mangaluru has been doing the rounds asking voters to send their names, phone numbers and other details. The message displayed three contact numbers. When scrutinized, it was found that the people who floated the message were supporters of a particular political party.

As per reports, when media persons contacted the concerned individuals, it was revealed that three 80-seat buses were to be deployed to transport voters to Mangaluru from Bengaluru. However, the departure timings were not divulged.