In a vehement display of discontent, BJP leaders led by opposition leader R Ashok have condemned the recent bus ticket price hike implemented by four state corporations, launching a scathing attack on the state government for what he termed its disregard for the common people.
During a symbolic gesture at the Majestic bus stand in Bengaluru, Ashok distributed roses to passengers as a means of expressing solidarity with those affected by the fare increase.
Speaking passionately to a crowd of commuters, Ashok accused the ruling party of neglecting the welfare of the poor, stating, “The BJP did not provide free rides to those who rely on public transport. While Congress offered such benefits, the current government has chosen to elevate fares and burden the impoverished.” This comparison underscored his contention that the administration has betrayed its constituents by prioritizing profit over public service.
Ashok went on to point out a series of price hikes implemented by the state government, adding, “These are the wrongdoers who are akin to throwing stones in milk.” He drew attention to not just the bus fare increases but also the rising costs of essentials, including liquor, electricity, and registration fees. “This government has imposed taxes on everything without consideration for the financial strain it places on our citizens,” he exclaimed.
He highlighted the absurdity of the current situation, emphasizing, “By increasing the bus fare, the Chief Minister believes he has done good for the poor. This is nothing short of an insult.” Ashok’s frustration was palpable as he decried the overall spike in living costs, saying, “Everything—revenue, house rent—has escalated in price under this government’s watch.” He also reminded attendees of the time he served as the Transport Minister, revealing, “During my tenure, we achieved a profit of Rs 1,000 crore. This demonstrates the previous government’s capability to manage resources effectively.”
The atmosphere took a tense turn when Ashok attempted to distribute flowers to bus passengers. He faced opposition from police, who intervened and attempted to prohibit his actions, leading to a confrontational exchange. Ashok argued vehemently, “Is there a prohibition on expressing dissent? Are you performing a drama while the government fails to address our concerns?” This interaction highlighted the tensions between the Opposition and law enforcement, a reflection of the broader discontent felt by many towards the current administration.
Accompanied by BJP leaders and supporters, Ashok’s actions were intended to galvanize public support against the fare hikes, framing them as part of a series of unjustified financial burdens placed on the populace. His passionate plea was not only a call to action for the public but also a denunciation of what he perceives as government indifference to the struggles faced by everyday citizens.
The bus ticket price hike has ignited significant backlash from the Opposition, with R. Ashok taking a stand to advocate for the rights of the people and demanding accountability from the state government. His actions and words serve as a rallying cry for those who feel abandoned by the current administration, underscoring a growing frustration with rising costs and the perceived failure to prioritise the needs of the poor.
Union Minister Kumara Swamy condemned
In a fierce critique of the Congress government, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy strongly condemned the recent bus ticket price hike, asking pointedly, “Is there even a government in the state?” His remarks reflect a growing discontent with the administration’s handling of economic policies, which he argues disproportionately affects the common man.
During a statement in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy characterized the price hikes as a predictable outcome of the current government’s mismanagement. He lamented that people in the state tend to forget these hikes within just a few days, saying, “The people express anger for two days, then they adjust.” He cited the previous price increases—cess on diesel and petrol, stamp duty hikes, and soaring prices for liquor—as examples of the government’s discomfort toward fiscal responsibility. He ominously warned that the price of water is also poised to rise, a clear indicator of the Congress government’s inability to manage essential services effectively.
“This government is sending a message that citizens should brace themselves for more price hikes in the new year,” Kumaraswamy asserted. His criticism highlights a broader concern that the administration is burdening taxpayers without providing tangible benefits in return. He accused the Congress government of handing out benefits in one hand while taking away from the public purse with the other. “It’s a clear case of double standards, and the people are paying the price for their negligence,” he declared.
Kumaraswamy further expressed frustration over the apparent indifference the government exhibits toward the grievances of its citizens. “What can I do after criticizing? Who is there to ask?” he rhetorically questioned, illustrating a sense of powerlessness he sees in the current administration. “They are running the government arbitrarily. Who will listen to the people’s suffering?” His words emphasised a disconnect between the government and the citizenry, a sentiment echoed by many who feel their concerns are being ignored.
Addressing the backdrop of increasing prices, Kumaraswamy differentiated between unavoidable price hikes and those engineered by the government for revenue generation. “It is common for previous governments to adjust prices when necessary, but this government has actively created these circumstances,” he argued. He then speculated on the fate of the Karnataka Energy Board, questioning what might happen next in the power sector under the current regime.
Further amplifying his critique, he pointed to the misallocation of public resources, accusing the Congress government of spending taxpayer money on extravagant advertisements while failing to address pressing public needs. “They created the Yuvanidhi program, yet how many benefits are truly reaching the people? They are misusing public tax money,” he asserted.
Chalavadi Narayana Swamy condemned
In a separate but related condemnation, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, joined Kumaraswamy in voicing discontent. He participated in a protest led by BJP member R. Ashok at the Majestic area to denounce the bus fare increase.
Narayanaswamy blasted the Congress government for its failed promises, stating, “You can offer free rides but only while increasing the prices of essentials like milk, electricity, and registration. This mockery must end.”
Asserting that the Congress government’s treasury is empty, he accused them of operating out of desperation, suggesting that their actions are driven by a necessity for revenue rather than genuine concern for the populace. “It’s the Congress that has brought the state to the brink of bankruptcy,” he declared, making it clear that he holds them accountable for the current fiscal malaise.
Kumaraswamy’s damning comments were underscored by grave concerns about the mental health of government employees, with reports of suicides among officers allegedly driven by government pressures. “You are giving the officers the opportunity to commit suicide,” he thundered, expressing deep concern for those in the public service sector who are unduly burdened by the state’s failings.
The collective voices of Kumaraswamy and Narayanaswamy paint a troubling picture of discontent directed at the Congress government. Their criticisms highlight the painful realities faced by citizens dealing with continuously rising costs and ineffective governance. Their passionate condemnation calls for an urgent reevaluation of government policies and practices, urging the need for accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serve the people of Karnataka.
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