Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed all state road transport corporations to stop tobacco-related advertisements on their buses immediately. In an official note, Mr. Reddy ordered the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation to remove any existing tobacco ads without delay. The minister said, “In the interest of the public, I hereby direct that, with immediate effect, no advertisements directly or indirectly promoting the consumption of tobacco products shall be displayed on buses or at bus stands of the transport corporations.” This action follows growing protests by Kannada activists who have been removing tobacco ads from RTC buses. Activists argued that such ads encourage tobacco use and harm public health, especially among young and daily commuters. The issue also sparked widespread criticism on social media, where many questioned why the state would allow tobacco promotion on public transport. The directive aims to safeguard public health and end tobacco advertising on state-run buses.