BJP protests in Bengaluru over milk and bus fare increases
The party accused the DK Shivakumar government of breaking pre-poll promises and increasing the financial burden on households.
The Karnataka BJP staged a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday, 11 November, demanding a rollback of recent increases in milk prices and bus fares. Led by BJP State president BY Vijayendra, the party accused the DK Shivakumar-led Congress government of being an anti-people administration.
According to South First, the protest included several leaders, including Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka and Legislative Council Opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa alleged that the state government is bankrupt and cannot afford to fuel its own buses.
The price hikes include a 23 per cent to 35 per cent increase in bus fares across four state-run transport corporations, which took effect on 5 November. Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh attributed the fare changes to rising diesel costs and losses within the corporations.
Nandini milk prices were raised by Rs 8 a litre from 1 November. Bengaluru Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Krishna Byre Gowda stated the decision followed a demand from farmers for a Rs 10 increase to cover rising costs.
The BJP also noted that the government has increased taxes on petrol and diesel, stamp duty, and hospital service charges. R Ashoka said the successive increases are hurting poor and middle-class households.