Karnataka LoP R Ashok calls transport fare hike illegal, announces protests
The Leader of Opposition alleged the state government is shifting unpaid dues of over Rs 5,800 crore onto the public.
Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashok criticised the state government on Wednesday for increasing transport fares, describing the move as illegal. According to reports from ANI and The News Mill, Ashok alleged that the government has failed to clear dues exceeding Rs 5,800 crore owed to the Transport Department.
Ashok claimed the Congress government and DK Shivakumar are responsible for the situation because they have not compensated the department for the free bus service introduced under a state scheme. He stated that the Finance Department has indicated it cannot pay the amount due to a lack of money in the state exchequer.
The LoP announced that protests will be held across all districts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, and during the next Assembly session. He alleged that the government is transferring its financial burden onto the public through these price increases.
The fare changes, which began on the evening of November 4, include an average increase of 23 per cent for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and 33 to 35 per cent for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The revisions affect KSRTC, the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
Under the new rates, ordinary service fares from Bengaluru to Nelamangala and Hoskote rose from Rs 35 to Rs 44, while trips to Doddaballapura and Anekal increased from Rs 38 to Rs 47. Express service fares to Mysuru rose from Rs 160 to Rs 197, and travel to Chikkamagaluru increased from Rs 295 to Rs 363.