Around 250 public sector undertaking (PSU) buses operating under the kilometre scheme for Punjab Roadways and PRTC are being repainted in yellow and blue, sparking a political controversy in the state.

The opposition Congress has alleged that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is misusing public funds for political promotion, claiming the colours are closely associated with the party. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has not responded to the allegations.

Shamsher Singh, general secretary of the Punjab Roadways and PRTC Contract Workers Union, said the government had earlier allowed buses to operate under the kilometre scheme and is now directing operators to repaint them in blue and yellow. He claimed buses that were originally in blue/silver and red/silver patterns have been sent back to a fabricator in Rajasthan for repainting, calling it a waste of public money.

Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also questioned the move, saying the government should be held accountable for allegedly using buses to advance a political agenda.

The union further alleged that while the government claims it lacks funds to regularize employees, it is compelling operators to spend money on repainting buses. However, a senior official defended the decision, stating that repainting buses in yellow and blue is not unprecedented, noting that rural mini-buses were painted in similar colours during the previous Akali government.