Fri Jan 03 16:30:05 UTC 2025: ## BJP Leaders Protest Karnataka Bus Fare Hike with Rose Apologies
**Bengaluru, January 3, 2025** – Opposition BJP leaders R. Ashok and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy staged a protest at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda Bus Station on Friday against the Karnataka government’s 15% increase in RTC bus fares. The protest involved presenting roses to male passengers and offering apologies on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, highlighting the government’s decision to offer free bus travel for women while significantly raising fares for men.
Similar protests erupted across Karnataka against the fare hike, which takes effect Sunday. The demonstrations led to clashes with police, who attempted to halt the BJP leaders’ actions. Mr. Ashok, a former Home Minister, accused the police of bias and insisted the protest was peaceful and permitted.
Mr. Ashok strongly criticized the government’s broader fiscal policies, linking the fare hike to funding for the government’s guarantee schemes. He stated, “This government has hiked taxes on fuel, power, registration fees, excise, and now bus fares. They are taking money from the people to give it back through guarantee schemes – it’s cheating.” He anticipates further increases in milk and water prices.
First Piper 