KSRTC Bus Fare Hike: 15-20% Increase Suggested; Karnataka Govt Yet To Decide

Following the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has submitted a proposal to the state government to increase bus fares by 15 to 20 percent. The proposal was submitted on July 14.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy acknowledged the receipt of the proposal but stated that no decision has been made yet regarding the fare increase.

During a protest, Reddy criticized the BJP government, accusing it of being unfair to Karnataka since returning to power at the center. He expressed disappointment over the lack of support from the central government, despite Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman being elected from Karnataka. Reddy said, "The state is constantly being cheated. Even though Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was elected from Karnataka, there is no gratitude. Narendra Modi has forgotten what he said 10 years ago."

The minister lamented that despite 19 MPs being elected from the alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not done anything significant for the state. He further criticized the central government for imposing GST on almost everything, claiming that they have allowed the country's wealth to be looted and sold off to big corporations like Ambani. Reddy also alleged that many states have not received adequate funds in the budget, with more funds being allocated to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy voiced his concerns about the increasing national debt under PM Modi's leadership, stating that the country's debt has surpassed Rs 140 lakh crore. He emphasized that as long as the BJP remains in power, the future looks bleak, with rising unemployment and a lack of gratitude towards the state's people, despite their support in the Lok Sabha elections. He also criticized the state's MPs for their inability to speak out on these issues.