’Free for women, costlier for men’: BJP protests Karnataka bus fare hike

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, January 3, 2025: The BJP in Karnataka on Friday staged a demonstration here against the government bus fare hike.

The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to hike the government bus fare by 15 per cent across all categories. This will come into effect from Sunday.

The move is expected to generate Rs 74.85 crore monthly and about Rs 784 crore annually, the government said.

The Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly R Ashoka led the agitation at the Kempegowda Bus Stand at Majestic.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka assembly LoP R. Ashoka protests against the state government’s decision of a 15% hike in state-run bus fares, by giving away roses and apologising to people. pic.twitter.com/caqbJe8Xsl

— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025

The party leaders gave flowers to the passengers saying that they were consoling them from the additional burden fallen on them.

Speaking to reporters, Ashoka said the people are suffering due to the price rise in the state.

"They’ve made bus travel free for women, but doubled it for men... Siddaramaiah is the worst CM in the history of Karnataka... 15 per cent hike is too much, how will people pay... Private taxis are cheaper than KSRTC buses," Ashoka said.

Later, the agitating BJP leaders were taken under preventive custody.