The opposition party will hold demonstrations at all district headquarters on November 5 following the increase in transport costs.
The BJP has announced a statewide protest on November 5, with demonstrations planned at all district headquarters, including Bengaluru, following a decision to raise bus fares in Karnataka. The protest comes after Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced fare increases for four state-run transport corporations, according to reports by Urban Acres, Moneycontrol and ThePrint.
The revised fares for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) services were scheduled to take effect from Wednesday night. KSRTC fares will increase by an average of 23 per cent, while BMTC fares in Bengaluru will rise by 33 to 35 per cent. In Bengaluru, the minimum ticket price is set to rise from ₹6 to ₹10.
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.
State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra described the increase as an additional burden on poorer residents, students, and workers. He also questioned the government's financial management, noting that the hike follows price increases for electricity, milk, and curd.
R Ashoka further alleged that the corporations are struggling with operational expenses, including fuel dues of Rs 827.37 crore and provident fund liabilities of Rs 2,901.53 crore. He also stated that the corporations' total liabilities, including salaries and gratuity, stood at Rs 7,130.80 crore in May 2026.
