BJP to launch statewide protest in Karnataka over bus fare hike
The party announced demonstrations at all district headquarters on November 5 following the increase in state-run transport fares.
The BJP will launch a statewide protest on November 5 across all district headquarters, including Bengaluru, to oppose the bus fare hike in Karnataka, according to Moneycontrol.
The protest follows an announcement by Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh that fares for the four state-run transport corporations would increase. KSRTC fares will rise by an average of 23 per cent, while BMTC fares in Bengaluru will increase by 33 to 35 per cent.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that the Congress-led government failed to clear Rs 5,650.95 crore in dues to the transport corporations. He claimed the hike could have been avoided if these outstanding dues were paid and accused the government of passing the burden of its failures to the public.
Ashoka further alleged that the corporations face significant liabilities, including Rs 2,901.53 crore in provident fund dues and Rs 827.37 crore in fuel dues. He also stated that the corporations' total liabilities, including salaries and gratuity, stood at Rs 7,130.80 crore in May 2026.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh cited rising diesel prices as a reason for the revision and noted that governments in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have also increased fares. He stated that KSRTC fare hikes were capped at Rs 9.
The revised rates for KSRTC and BMTC services were scheduled to take effect from Wednesday midnight, as reported by Deccan Chronicle and Urban Acres.