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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Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleges ₹1 crore bribe offer for Padma award during UPA regime
New Delhi: Former Union Minister and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar has alleged that he was offered a bribe of ₹1 crore for a Padma award during the Congress-led UPA regime in 2010. Chandrasekhar claimed that the offer was made in recognition of his contributions to the telecom sector.
The BJP leader made this revelation on January 5 through a post on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the UPA government of corrupt practices in awarding civilian honours. The Padma Awards, which include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among India’s highest civilian awards, recognising excellence in various fields such as arts, education, literature, and science.
Chandrasekhar's allegations came shortly after US President Joe Biden conferred the Medal of Freedom on several dignitaries, including billionaire philanthropist George Soros, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and football legend Lionel Messi.
There has been no immediate response or denial from any members of the former UPA government regarding the allegations.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a Rajya Sabha MP from 2006 to 2024, served as the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship from 2021 to 2024.
