BJP protests Karnataka bus fare hike, apologises to passengers by giving roses
Bengaluru: In a symbolic protest against the recent 15% hike in bus fares, BJP workers distributed roses to male bus passengers at Majestic bus stand on Friday, wearing masks of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. The protestors fell at the passengers’ feet, claiming to apologise on behalf of the Congress government for the fare increase.
The protest was led by BJP MLA R Ashoka, accompanied by Upper House counterpart Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar, and other party leaders.
Ashoka criticised the government, alleging betrayal of pre-election promises. "We promised not to burden the public with increased prices or taxes. However, starting 2025, we have announced a 15% bus fare hike and plan to raise milk prices soon," Ashoka said.
Impersonating the Chief Minister, Ashoka sarcastically remarked, "People are happy with the decision to raise prices. My New Year's resolution is to increase prices further for the betterment of citizens' lives. We seek your forgiveness for having no other option."
Narayanaswamy called the Congress government "Nama Haako Sarkara" (a government of deceivers), accusing it of failing to uphold promises made ahead of the Assembly elections.
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Karnataka Lokayukta conducts searches in assets case against seven govt officials
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka Lokayukta sleuths on Thursday conducted raids at multiple locations connected to seven government officials in disproportionate assets cases against them.
The coordinated raids were carried out at 40 locations linked to the accused officers.
According to the Lokayukta officials, those raided are Rajashekar, Project Director, Nirmiti Kendra in Tumakuru; Manjunath, Survey Supervisor in Dakshina Kannada district; Renuka Satarle, Dr B R Ambedkar Abhivrudhi Nigama in Vijayapura; Murali T V, Additional Director, Directorate of Urban and Rural Planning, Bengaluru Urban; H R Nataraj, Inspector, Legal Meterology, Bengaluru City; Anant Kumar, Second Divsuon Assistant, Hoskote Taluk Office, Bengaluru Rural district; and Umakanth, Shahpur Taluk Office, Yadgiri.
Lokayukta sources said many incriminating documents related to immovable properties and unaccounted cash, ornaments, high-end vehicles and cash were seized.
