CHENNAI: DMK Working President M.K. Stalin on Tuesday met Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and presented him a memorandum, suggesting steps to reduce the bus fare.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Secretariat here, he said, “we have listed out 27 requests. If they are implemented, there is no need for bus fare hike”.

The 27 steps were based on a report by a panel led by former Union Minister T.R. Baalu. It was formed by Stalin to look into the issue and suggest solutions. Stalin also said that they have requested to cut down VAT on diesel.

Recently, political parties led by the DMK held protests across Tamil Nadu to demand a rollback of the recent bus fare hike, with police detaining Stalin and MDMK leader Vaiko for blocking roads in the capital.

Reacting to the protests, K. Palaniswami said it was done to put pressure on the Government. “The protest is merely political and not for the sake of people,” Palaniswami told reporters.

On his part, Stalin had demanded that Palaniswami should immediately withdraw the hike or resign. “The Chief Minister had said the hike was effected with anguish. If indeed so, it should be immediately withdrawn. Else, you (Palaniswami) have got no option left other than to resign,” he said.