Free for wife but double for husband: Karnataka LoP Ashoka on KSRTC bus fare hike
Karnataka's Bus Fare Hike Sparks Controversy
R. Ashoka's Criticism
R. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, has criticized the state government's decision to increase Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus fares by 15%. He announced that the BJP will protest against this decision on January 4.
Financial Implications
The fare hike is expected to generate Rs 74.85 crore monthly and Rs 784 crore annually, aimed at offsetting the costs of the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women.
Government's Justification
Karnataka Minister HK Patil stated that the fare increase is necessary due to financial challenges faced by KSRTC, including rising fuel prices and salary increments. The new fares will be effective from January 5, 2025.
Opposition's Stand
BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju accused the Congress government of exploiting the public, claiming that the fare hike disproportionately affects men while women benefit from free rides.
Doubts Revealed
R. Ashoka
R. Ashoka is a politician in India and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is currently serving as the Leader of Opposition in Karnataka, which means he is a key figure in the political party that is not in power in the state.
Karnataka
Karnataka is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its rich culture, history, and technology hubs like Bengaluru, which is the capital city of the state.
15% Bus Fare Hike
A 15% bus fare hike means that the cost of bus tickets has been increased by 15%. This means if a bus ticket was Rs 100, it will now cost Rs 115.
BJP
BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the two major political parties in India. It is currently the ruling party at the national level but is in opposition in Karnataka.
State-Wide Protest
A state-wide protest means that people across the entire state of Karnataka will participate in demonstrations to show their disagreement with the government's decision. It is organized by the BJP to oppose the bus fare hike.
Shakti scheme
The Shakti scheme is a government initiative in Karnataka that provides free bus travel for women. It is designed to help women travel more easily and affordably.
KSRTC
KSRTC stands for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. It is a government-owned corporation that provides bus services within the state of Karnataka.
HK Patil
HK Patil is a politician and a minister in the Karnataka government. He is responsible for justifying the bus fare hike due to financial challenges faced by KSRTC.
Dheeraj Muniraju
Dheeraj Muniraju is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Karnataka and a member of the BJP. He has accused the government of exploiting the public with the bus fare hike.
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