Private bus operators in Maharashtra have been accused of exploiting the surge in travel demand during the Ganpati festival by significantly raising fares. This move has left passengers feeling frustrated and burdened, especially those who rely on buses as their primary mode of transport. The timing of the fare increases, following the end of the MSRTC strike, has added to the public’s anger, with many seeing it as an opportunistic attempt to capitalize on the need for travel during the festival.