"40% hike never seen in Karnataka's history": BJP's R Ashoka demands Transport Minister's resignation over bus fare increase
The political climate in Karnataka has reached a boiling point as the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, has launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led state government over a significant increase in bus fares. In a high-voltage protest at the Majestic bus terminal, officially known as the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Bus Station, Ashoka demanded the immediate resignation of the Transport Minister, claiming the fare hike is an unprecedented burden on the common man.
The "Unprecedented" Hike
During a visit to the KSRTC and BMTC terminals, R Ashoka condemned the decision, asserting that a 40% hike has never been seen in the history of Karnataka. He alleged that the Congress party is "looting" the state to benefit the central party leadership, describing the fare revision as illegal. Ashoka's demand for the resignation of the Transport Minister was based on his claim that the minister is incapable of maintaining the transport department.
Statewide Agitation
The BJP has organized protests across the entire state of Karnataka, targeting not only the transport costs but also a recent increase in the price of milk. Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, joined the chorus of condemnation, stating that the party is the BJP is taking a stand against the government "snatching" money from taxpayers. He emphasized that both milk and transport are essential services, and the government's failure to understand this is a point of contention.
A Threat of Total Shutdown
BJP MLC N Ravikumar, who joined the thousands of party workers who converged for the protest, has warned the government of a severe escalation. He claimed that KSRTC services across the state are being shut down in protest. Ravikumar highlighted that milk prices have risen by Rs 8, while KSRTC fares have increased by an amount ranging from Rs 6 up to Rs 90 per ticket.
"The government in Karnataka is essentially plundering the public; it is a thieving, predatory government," Ravikumar asserted, threatening to bring KSRTC bus operations to a complete halt throughout the state if the hike is not withdrawn immediately.
Breaking Down the Fare Increases
The revised fares, which come into effect from Thursday night, will affect a variety of services. While KSRTC represents an average fare hike of 23 per cent, the BMTC has increased ticket prices by 33 to 35 per cent.
The fare revision applies to ordinary and express bus services operated by the KSRTC, the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
Specific Fare Changes
- Bengaluru to Nelamangala and Hoskote: Fare increases from Rs 35 to Rs 44.
- Bengaluru to Doddaballapura and Anekal: Fare increases from Rs 35 to Rs 47.