The party will demonstrate across district headquarters and Bengaluru against the Congress government's decision to increase public transport costs.
The BJP will launch statewide protests in Karnataka on Thursday to demonstrate against the recent increase in bus fares and prices for Nandini milk and curd, according to reports by Deccan Herald and Urban Acres.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka stated that the fare hike, which he said is about 40 per cent, could have been avoided if the government released outstanding amounts of Rs 5,650 crore to the transport corporations.
Ashoka alleged that the state government owes Rs 2,943 crore to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Rs 1,306 crore to the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, Rs 1,019 crore to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, and Rs 999 crore to the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra claimed the administration is making daily commuting more expensive after previously increasing milk prices, while Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the government is pushing transport corporations towards bankruptcy.
The JD(S) also criticised the government for raising fares during the festive season, noting that BMTC fares increased by Rs 4 to Rs 12, while KSRTC ordinary and express bus fares rose by Rs 9 and Rs 18 respectively.
The state government has stated it would be prepared to reduce bus fares if the Centre lowers petrol and diesel prices.
