Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, stated that the Central government is not involved in the recent Metro ticket fare increase in the state. Ashoka urged the Karnataka Chief Minister to reject any fare hike for the next two years if the Centre is blamed for the increase.
Ashoka, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, criticized the Congress-led government for accusing the Central government of raising Metro ticket fares. He emphasized that the state government holds a majority stake in the Bengaluru Metro, contrary to the allegations.
The Opposition leader challenged the Karnataka government to take responsibility for the fare hike instead of unfairly shifting blame to the Central government. He questioned the state government’s authority to reduce Metro fares if the Centre indeed has the power to increase them.
Ashoka alleged that the Metro fare hike was a result of the Karnataka government’s financial struggles. He called for transparency in disclosing the funds received by the state and demanded an investigation into the fare increase.
He highlighted that the appointment of the Managing Director and tender processes for the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) are under the state government’s jurisdiction. Ashoka emphasized that the decision to raise Metro fares was made locally and not by the Central government.
