In Bengaluru, workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protested against the 15% fare increase for Karnataka State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) buses. R Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, criticized the Congress government, claiming the hike was due to financial mismanagement by Chief Minister Siddaramiah. Ashoka argued that the fare increase was unfair, especially since bus travel is free for women but more expensive for men.
He also mentioned that during his tenure as Transport Minister, KSRTC was profitable, unlike under Siddaramiah's leadership. Ashoka accused Siddaramiah of being the worst Chief Minister in Karnataka's history and predicted further fare hikes.
In response, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy questioned the BJP's past fare increase of 12% under former CM Yediyurappa. Reddy highlighted the financial liabilities left by the previous government and suggested that the BJP should ask the Prime Minister to lower diesel prices to help reduce the fare hike.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Congress government, labeling their actions as part of a "loot model" that leads to inflation and economic issues. He noted that the fare hike follows increases in other essential goods.
Karnataka Minister HK Patil announced that the state cabinet approved the fare increase to address a financial deficit, expecting to generate Rs 74.84 crores monthly from the hike, effective January 5, 2025.
BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. It is known for its nationalist policies and is currently one of the leading parties in the country.
KSRTC stands for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. It is a government-owned corporation that provides bus services within the state of Karnataka.
A fare hike means an increase in the price that passengers have to pay to travel on buses. In this case, the bus fares have been increased by 15%.
The Congress government refers to the government led by the Indian National Congress party, which is another major political party in India. In this context, it is the ruling party in Karnataka.
CM Siddaramiah is the Chief Minister of Karnataka, who is the head of the state government. He is a member of the Congress party.
R Ashoka is a leader from the BJP and serves as the opposition leader in Karnataka. He is criticizing the fare hike decision.
Minister Ramalinga Reddy is a member of the Congress party and a minister in the Karnataka government. He is defending the fare hike decision.
Shehzad Poonawalla is a spokesperson for the BJP. He is accusing the Congress government of not managing the economy well.
Minister HK Patil is another member of the Congress party and a minister in the Karnataka government. He explains that the fare hike is to help with financial issues.
A financial deficit means that the government or organization is spending more money than it is earning. The fare hike is intended to help reduce this deficit.
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