Karnataka govt faces backlash over bus fare hike, BJP says "decide whether to give free schemes or not"

Hubballi (Karnataka) [India], January 3 (ANI): The Karnataka government is facing a backlash from the opposition BJP following its decision to hike bus fares across all four state-run transport corporations by 15 per cent.
BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai alleged that Congress is now facing difficulty in balancing public welfare and financial sustainability and following its scheme offering free bus rides for women in the state.
Tenginkai also asked the Congress-led government to decide whether to give the free schemes or not.
While speaking to ANI Mahesh Tenginkai said, "After 1.5 years, Congress government have understood that it is difficult to run the promised free scheme... On one hand, they say they (state government) will make the buses free for women whereas on the other hand, they are increasing the fare by 20-30 per cent."
"The government should release the free schemes... Development has halted in Karnataka... They should decide whether or not to give the free schemes...," he added.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy expressed strong displeasure over the Karnataka Congress government's decision to increase bus fares by 15 per cent. Criticizing the move, he stated, "Since coming to power, this government has made it a routine to burden the public, and the people are forced to bear it."
Responding to questions from the media, the Union Minister questioned the very functioning of the state government. "Is there even a government in this state? Can this really be called a government? Ever since they came to power, all they've done is hike prices," he said.
Kumaraswamy observed that price hikes have become a norm in Karnataka. "The government has increased bus fares by 15%, placing a heavy burden on the people. While the public is expressing outrage, they've also grown accustomed to it. They protest for two days and then forget about it, adjusting to the higher fares. This is the reality," he lamented.
Kumaraswamy criticized the government for failing to announce development programs for the new year. "Instead of unveiling new development initiatives, the government has announced price hikes. It's as if they are telling people to prepare for a year full of price hikes," mocked the minister.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy questioned BJP on why the BJP had increased the bus prices by 12 percent when Yediyurappa was the CM.
Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, "BJP is protesting in the leadership of Ashoka and other leaders...when Yediyurappa was the CM there was a hike of 12 percent...Why did BJP increase the prices when they were in rule? When I became the Transport Minister, they left Rs 5,900 crore as a liability for us. Let them ask the Prime Minister to reduce the price of diesel, then we can reduce the hike." (ANI)