BJP demands Karnataka transport minister's resignation over bus fare hike
The Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly called the fare increase unprecedented during protests at a Bengaluru bus terminal.
The Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, demanded the immediate resignation of the Transport Minister on Thursday following a decision to hike bus fares. According to ANI, Ashoka made these remarks during a BJP protest at the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Bus Station in Bengaluru.
The protest, which included visits to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) terminals, targeted both bus and milk price increases. Ashoka alleged that the Congress-led government was burdening people and stated that a 40 per cent hike had never been seen in the history of Karnataka.
Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said the party was protesting because the government was taking money from taxpayers. BJP MLC N Ravikumar said KSRTC fares have increased by amounts ranging from Rs 6 to Rs 90 and warned that the party would bring KSRTC operations to a complete halt if the hike is not withdrawn.
The fare revision applies to ordinary and express services under KSRTC, the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC). KSRTC has increased average fares by 23 per cent, while BMTC has increased ticket prices by 33 to 35 per cent.
Under the new structure, fares from Bengaluru to Nelamangala and Hoskote will rise from Rs 35 to Rs 44. Fares to Doddaballapura and Anekal will increase from Rs 38 to Rs 47. The revised fares were scheduled to take effect from Thursday night.