Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today warned of action against Vijayakanth-led DMDK, if it resorted to an agitation saying that bus fares had been hiked in the State.

It may be recalled that DMDK had announced that a demonstration would be held in Villupuram on 11 April, alleging that additional fare is being collected in buses which ply between Villupuram and Chennai.

In a statement here, without naming DMDK or Vijayakanth, Karunanidhi warned of action against the planned agitation. He reiterated that bus fare was not increased and added that the rates that prevail now were fixed during the previous AIADMK regime.

‘The fare was not increased even a half penny, since DMK assumed power in May 2006. The government would take legal action against those who indulge in misinformation campaign and also against people who resort to agitation by lying that fares are increased,’ he said.

Explaining that express buses charge Rs 7 more for its speedier transit time and limited halts, the Chief Minister said point to point buses charge only Rs 45 for travel between Villupuram and Chennai, but they stop at a lot of places. Even these rates were fixed during the AIADMK rule, and being implemented from 11 January, 2006.